Foot Sensory Training for Balance and Walking in Type 2 Diabetes With Nerve Damage

Trial details

Who runs it

Aylin DEMİR

Trial code

NCT06979401

Record updated

9 November 2026

Original description

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. DPN is characterized by significant axonal degeneration and segmental demyelination that affect sensory and motor nerves. While various studies in the literature have examined the impact of plantar sensation on gait and balance parameters, no research has yet investigated the effects of foot sensory training on plantar sensation, functional performance, balance, gait, and kinesiophobia in individuals with type 2 diabetes and neuropathy. To contribute to the existing literature, 40 individuals with type 2 diabetes and neuropathy-recruited from the Endocrinology and Metabolism Diseases Outpatient Clinic at Dursun Odabaş Medical Center-will be enrolled in this randomized controlled trial. Following the provision of diabetic foot education to all participants, they will be assigned to either an experimental group (n=20) or a control group (n=20) using a sequential randomization method. The experimental group will receive foot sensory training, while the control group will receive no intervention; however, upon completion of the study, sensory training will be offered to any participants in the control group who request it. All participants will be assessed at the beginning and end of the training period in terms of foot sensation, functional performance, balance, gait, and kinesiophobia. Foot sensation will be evaluated using light touch, two-point discrimination, and vibration tests. Functional performance will be assessed via the "Timed Up and Go" (TUG) test and a timed stair-climbing (ascending and descending) test. Kinesiophobia will be measured using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia. Balance will be assessed using the single-leg stance test and the Y-balance test, while gait will be analyzed via software based on the Kinect V2 camera. Physical activity levels will be evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Data obtained from the study will be analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software. Data values will be expressed as percentages, means, and standard deviations; for comparison tests, the significance level (p) will be set at 0.05.Read full original descriptionShow less

Effects of Foot Sensory Training on Plantar Sensation, Functional Performance, Balance, Gait and Kinesiophobia in Type 2 Diabetic Individuals With Neuropathy

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. DPN is characterized by significant axonal degeneration and segmental demyelination that affect sensory and motor nerves. While various studies in the literature have examined the impact of plantar sensation on gait and balance parameters, no research has yet investigated the effects of foot sensory training on plantar sensation, functional performance, balance, gait, and kinesiophobia in individuals with type 2 diabetes and neuropathy. To contribute to the existing literature, 40 individuals with type 2 diabetes and neuropathy-recruited from the Endocrinology and Metabolism Diseases Outpatient Clinic at Dursun Odabaş Medical Center-will be enrolled in this randomized controlled trial. Following the provision of diabetic foot education to all participants, they will be assigned to either an experimental group (n=20) or a control group (n=20) using a sequential randomization method. The experimental group will receive foot sensory training, while the control group will receive no intervention; however, upon completion of the study, sensory training will be offered to any participants in the control group who request it. All participants will be assessed at the beginning and end of the training period in terms of foot sensation, functional performance, balance, gait, and kinesiophobia. Foot sensation will be evaluated using light touch, two-point discrimination, and vibration tests. Functional performance will be assessed via the "Timed Up and Go" (TUG) test and a timed stair-climbing (ascending and descending) test. Kinesiophobia will be measured using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia. Balance will be assessed using the single-leg stance test and the Y-balance test, while gait will be analyzed via software based on the Kinect V2 camera. Physical activity levels will be evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Data obtained from the study will be analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) software. Data values will be expressed as percentages, means, and standard deviations; for comparison tests, the significance level (p) will be set at 0.05.

Inclusion: Being 35-65 years old; Being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes; Having given less than 8 correct answers in the Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament test performed with a 5.07 monofilament; Getting a Neuropathy Disability Score of 3 and above; Being willing to participate in the study; Being literate.

Exclusion: Using medications known to affect the postural control system such as benzodiazepines; Having a respiratory disease such as uncontrolled COPD or asthma; Having a neurological or orthopedic comorbidity; Having active lower extremity ulceration; Having nephropathy, retinopathy and diabetic arthritis at a level that may affect mobility in addition to neuropathy; Using a walking aid; Body Mass Index >30; Having communication problems; Not participating in at least 3 consecutive exercise sessions; Not participating in more than 30% of each session.

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06979401