A Systematic Review of the Effect of Physical Rehabilitation on Balance in People with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Who are at Risk of Falling

Background: Falls are a significant issue in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Balance interventions have been broadly administered in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, but the effects on static and dynamic balance in those who are at risk of falling have not yet been comprehensively reviewed. Objective: To provide a synthesis of the literature regarding the effectiveness of physical rehabilitation interventions to improve balance in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy who are at risk of falling. Methods: Four databases (PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulated Index in Nursing and Allied Health Literature) were systematically searched from inception to July 2022. Articles meeting the eligibility criteria (ie, participants with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and at risk of falling based on validated fall balance outcome risk cut off scores; inclusion of physical rehabilitation intervention) underwent a quality assessment using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Data regarding fall risk was extracted. Results: Sixteen studies met the eligibility criteria. Participants in six studies improved balance such that their fall risk was reduced from a moderate-high risk of falls to no or low risk of falls from pre- to post-intervention. Interventions within these six studies were variable and included balance exercise, gait training, endurance, tai-chi with mental imagery, proprioceptive training, aerobic training, and yoga. Participants in seven of the remaining studies showed no improvement and participants in three studies showed mixed results regarding improved balance and reduced fall risk status by post-intervention. Conclusion: While physical rehabilitation is sufficient to improve balance in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy who are at risk of falling, few interventions led to improved balance and reduced fall risk. Interventions involving intentional weight shifting, manipulation of the base of support, and displacement of the center of mass such as tai-chi and yoga appear to provide the most consistent results in terms of decreasing fall risk. To better understand the effectiveness of rehabilitation on balance and fall risk, future studies should examine the impact of physical interventions on prospective fall rates.