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his randomized clinical trial evaluates the comparative effectiveness of Tai Chi and Modified-Otago exercise programs on pain reduction, balance improvement, and motor function in patients diagnosed with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). DPN is a common complication of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus that significantly impairs quality of life through chronic pain, balance deficits, and decreased functional mobility. While pharmacological treatments are commonly used, they often result in adverse side effects, creating a growing need for non-pharmacological interventions like therapeutic exercises.
Tai Chi, a traditional Chinese exercise combining slow movements and mental focus, has shown benefits in improving mobility and reducing fall risks in chronic disease populations. The Modified-Otago program, originally developed to prevent falls in the elderly, emphasizes strength and balance training through structured exercise routines.
A total of 36 participants (aged 40-80 years) with at least a 5-year history of Type 2 diabetes and a minimum pain score of ≥3 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) will be recruited. Participants will be randomly allocated to either the Tai Chi group or the Modified-Otago group. Both groups will receive 24 sessions over an 8-week period (3 sessions per week), along with baseline interventions such as heating pad application, TENS, and warm-up/cool-down routines.
Primary outcome measures include NPRS for pain, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) for balance, and the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) for motor function. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and two weeks post-treatment. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 26 to determine within-group and between-group differences.
This study aims to inform clinicians about effective exercise strategies for improving physical function in patients with DPN and potentially establish evidence-based rehabilitation protocols.
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is a chronic complication of diabetes characterized by pain, numbness, and impaired balance. It frequently leads to limitations in mobility and increased fall risk, significantly affecting patients' independence and quality of life. Standard treatments often include pharmacological agents, but their long-term use is associated with adverse effects. As a result, non-drug interventions like exercise are increasingly being promoted as safer and equally effective alternatives.
Tai Chi and Modified-Otago exercise programs have individually shown promise in populations with mobility impairments. Tai Chi integrates slow, controlled movements with breathing and mindfulness, making it suitable for elderly individuals or those with chronic conditions. The Modified-Otago program was specifically designed to prevent falls through strength and balance training. While both interventions are beneficial independently, no study has yet compared their relative efficacy in managing symptoms of DPN.
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| Label | Type | Description | Intervention Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tai Chi | Experimental | Participants in this group will receive Tai Chi-based therapeutic exercise sessions, including joint mobility, balance, flexibility, and strength training movements (e.g., Qigong and bow stance). |
|
| Modified-Otago Exercises | Experimental | Participants in this group will receive the Modified-Otago Exercise Program focused on strength and balance training through functional exercises like stair walking, knee bends, and toe raises. |
|
| Name | Type | Description | Arm Group Labels | Other Names |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modified-Otago Exercises | Other | Intervention is administered 3 times per week for 4 weeks, with the same baseline therapy as the Tai Chi group. |
|
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Pain Intensity | Pain intensity will be assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), which rates pain on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). | 4 weeks |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Balance | Balance will be assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), a 14-item scale that evaluates static and dynamic balance in older adults. | 4 weeks |
| Gait Performance | Motor function and dynamic walking ability will be measured using the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), which assesses an individual's ability to modify gait in response to changing task demands. |
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Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
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| Name | Role | Phone | Extension | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imran Amjad, PhD | Contact | 03324390125 | imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk |
| Name | Affiliation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Amna Shahid, t-DPT | Riphah International University | Principal Investigator |
| Facility | Status | City | State | ZIP | Country | Contacts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riphah Rehab Training and Research Center, | Recruiting | Lahore | Punjab Province | 54000 | Pakistan |
The individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared due to institutional policies, ethical considerations, and privacy concerns. All data will be kept confidential and used solely for the purposes of this stud
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| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D003924 | Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D003920 | Diabetes Mellitus |
| D044882 | Glucose Metabolism Disorders |
| D008659 | Metabolic Diseases |
| D009750 | Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases |
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| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D026302 | Tai Ji |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D026441 | Mind-Body Therapies |
| D000529 | Complementary Therapies |
| D013812 | Therapeutics |
| D026241 | Exercise Movement Techniques |
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| Tai Chi | Other | Intervention is administered 3 times per week for 4 weeks, along with baseline therapy (TENS + heating pad). |
|
| 4 weeks |
| D004700 | Endocrine System Diseases |
| D026741 |
| Physical Therapy Modalities |