Multi-Sensory Training for Balance, EMG, Sensory Deficits in DPN

NCT07096570 | Completed DMC

• 1 other identifier: IR.DU.REC.a404.011
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 19
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study evaluated whether a 12-week multisensory training program could improve movement control, balance, and sensory function in women with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Nineteen women aged around 68 years were randomly assigned to either a training group or a control group. The training group participated in supervised sessions twice a week for 12 weeks. Before and after the intervention, several measures were taken, including muscle activity, balance tests, and sensory perception tests.

Conditions

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN)

Keywords

Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy; Multisensory Training; Electromyography

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Neuromuscular Activation (EMG RMS Amplitude)

  Root Mean Square (RMS) amplitude of surface electromyography (sEMG) signals recorded from semitendinosus, rectus femoris, lateral gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior muscles during postural control tasks in older women with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

  Baseline and after 12 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Balance Performance (Stork Balance Test)

  Baseline and after 12 weeks

• Functional Mobility (Timed Up and Go Test)

  Baseline and after 12 weeks

• sensory Function (Two-Point Discrimination Test)

  Minimum distance at which participants can distinguish two points on the plantar surface of the foot, measuring cutaneous sensory discrimination.

Study Arms (2)

Selected Multisensory Training (SMST) Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants receive a 12-week supervised multisensory exercise program targeting balance, proprioception, and vestibular function.

Behavioral: Selected Multisensory Training (SMST)

Control Group

NO INTERVENTION

Participants engage in twice-weekly 40-minute unstructured group discussions without exercise intervention.

Interventions

Selected Multisensory Training (SMST) BEHAVIORAL

A 12-week supervised exercise program involving two 40-minute sessions weekly. The program includes proprioceptive challenges on progressively firmer surfaces, vestibular activation with gait drills and head movements, and visual tracking tasks. Intensity progresses every three weeks by increasing surface instability, adding handheld weights, and reducing visual input (eyes open to eyes closed). The intervention aims to improve neuromuscular activation, balance, and sensory integration in older women with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Selected Multisensory Training (SMST) Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 60 Years+
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• \- Female sex
• Age 60 years or older
• Clinical diagnosis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN)
• Ability to stand unaided for at least 10 minutes
• Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥ 24
• Ability to walk at least 20 meters unassisted
• Diabetes duration of at least 10 years
• Normal or corrected-to-normal vision

You may not qualify if:

• \- Structural damage to lower extremities that affects balance or gait
• Severe neuropathy or other neurological disorders aside from DPN
• Cognitive impairment (MMSE score \< 24)
• Any condition limiting participation in exercise (e.g., severe cardiovascular disease, recent fractures)
• Use of medications that significantly affect balance or neuromuscular function beyond typical diabetic treatment
• Participation in other structured exercise or balance training programs during the study period

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Monireh Asadi Ghaleni: lead

Study Sites (1)

Parsian Diabetes Clinic

Mashhad, 1993893973, Iran

Location

Related Publications (4)

• Mofateh R, Rahimzadeh S. The effects of multisensory exercises on balance control in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a narrative review. Practical Diabetes. 2024;41(4):35-41. https://doi.org/10.1002/pdi.2522

  BACKGROUND

• Kutty NAM, Majida NAL. Effects of multisensory training on balance and gait in persons with type 2 diabetes: a randomised controlled trial. Disability, CBR & Inclusive Development. 2013;24(2):79-91. https://doi.org/10.5463/dcid.v24i2.206

  BACKGROUND

• Ahmad I, Verma S, Noohu MM, Shareef MY, Hussain ME. Sensorimotor and gait training improves proprioception, nerve function, and muscular activation in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a randomized control trial. J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact. 2020 Jun 1;20(2):234-248.

  PMID: 32481239 BACKGROUND

• Asadi Ghaleni M, Sohrabi M, Taheri HR, Homam M. Effect of a multi-sensory training program on the balance of older women with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a randomized controlled trial. The Scientific Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. 2022;11(1):154-167. doi:10.32598/SJRM.11.1.10

  BACKGROUND

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Motor Behavior, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Alzahra University

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 24, 2025
• First Posted: July 31, 2025
• Study Start: March 25, 2025
• Primary Completion: April 21, 2025
• Study Completion: June 22, 2025
• Last Updated: July 31, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-07

Locations

IR (1)