Effect of dual task training and single task training in improving balance and dual task performance of individuals with diabetic neuropathy - An Experimental study.

OBJECTIVE : Balance impairment is one of the major problems in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy as a result of loss of sensory feedback from the periphery. Concentrating on cognitive aspect of balance which involvesattentional capacity can improve the balance and daily task performance. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of dual task training and single task training in improving balance and dual task performance of individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. STUDY DESIGN : Two groups Pre test – Post test experimental study design. PARTICIPANTS : Twenty individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy of both the sexes who met the inclusion criteria were selected and randomly assigned into two groups, dual task training group and single task training group each contain ten subjects. INTERVENTIONS : single task training group treated with standing and walking balance exercises and dual task training group treated with standing and walking balance exercises in addition to cognitive task that is counting numbers in backwards by 2s done concurrently and these exercises done for thirty minutes a day five days per week for four weeks. OUTCOME MEASURES : Balance is measured by sharpen Romberg test (eyes closed) and single leg stance test (eyes opened and eyes closed, right leg and left leg) and dual task performance is measured by timed up and go test-dual task. RESULTS : At baseline subjects in both groups were closely similar. After the intervention both groups showed statistically significant differences on sharpen Romberg test, single leg stance test and timed up and go test. By comparing the mean value and percentage of improvement, dual task training group showed significant improvement than the single task group in both outcome measurements. CONCLUSION : This study revealed that there is significant improvement of dual task training group in improving balance and dual task performance