Spectral characteristics of postural sway in diabetic neuropathy patients participating in balance training

BACKGROUND The aim of the present study is to have a detailed frequency analysis about the effect of balance training with respect to reactive movement strategies and sensory strategies in type 2 diabetic neuropathy (DN) patients. Also understand changes in the role of each postural subsystem for controlling quiet standing after balance training. METHODS A group of 19 patients were included in the quasi experimental, time- series study. Total frequency power, 99% power frequency, centroidal frequency and frequency spectrum in the intervals between 0.01-0.1, 0.1-0.5, 0.5-1 Hz and 1-3 Hz are reported. The training protocol consisted two patterns of limits of stability trainings, three approaches in weight shifting trainings and one stable standing practice on the biodex stability system. RESULTS Repeated measure ANOVA analysis and the LSD test indicated significant differences for the eyes open ML- frequency power and ML-FFT sway power within low-medium (0.1-0.5 HZ) frequencies. CONCLUSIONS Decrease in postural sway at low-medium frequencies showed lower reliance on vestibular system. Also, better controlling hip muscles after balance training relieve DN patients' requirement to more exploratory sway as a compensatory strategy and showed better balance performance after balance training in DN patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION UMIN-CTR Search Clinical Trials: UMIN000004485.