Whole-Body Vibration, in Addition to Balance Exercise, Shows Positive Effects for Strength and Functional Ability in Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of whole-body vibration (WBV) with balance training on strength and functional ability in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Materials and Methods: Forty (19 males and 21 females) patients with DPN participated in the study. The patients were randomly allocated to experimental group (age = 57.3 ± 7.3) and control group (age = 57.1 ± 6.5). The experimental group performed WBV with balance training, whereas the control group performed only balance exercises for three weeks (five days/week). Outcome measures included neuropathy disability score (NDS), numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), timed up and go test (TUGT), Tinetti performance-oriented mobility assessment (Tinetti POMA) scale, strength of quadriceps, and tibialis anterior and reaction time. Results: Demographic characteristics and outcome measures at baseline were found to be nonsignificant between the groups. NDS, Tinetti POMA, quadriceps, and tibialis anterior strength showed significant time effect ( P ≤ 0.016) and time × group interaction ( P ≤ 0.008) whereas group effect was found to be nonsignificant. TUGT only showed significant time effect ( P < 0.001). NPRS and reaction time showed significant time × group interaction ( P ≤ 0.002). Conclusion: The WBV with balance exercise showed improvement in the NDS, functional balance, functional mobility, and strength of the lower limb muscles when compared with balance exercises only.