Efficacy of 4 Weeks of Otago Exercise Programme in Improving Balance and Reducing Fall Risk in Persons with Diabetic Neuropathy

Background: Numbness, tingling, pain and weakness are common in Diabetic Neuropathy patients and these symptoms often start in their feet before spreading proximally in a length-dependent manner. This results in a decrease in balance which leads to increased risk of fall and reduced quality of life. Otago Exercise Programme (OEP) is an individually tailored, home-based, balance and strength fall prevention programme that helps to improve balance in the elderly population. This study was conducted to determine if four weeks of OEP had any impact on balance and falls in diabetic neuropathy patients.Materials and Method: A total of 32 participants aged between 40 and 70 years with diabetic neuropathy were randomly recruited from various hospitals of Kamrup Metro, Assam. OEP, which consists of 17 strength and balance exercises, was done for 4 weeks and the outcome measures were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed up and go test (TUG) and Falls Efficacy Scale (FES).Results: Wilcoxon paired test was used to find any significant differences between pre- and post-intervention values of BBS, TUG and FES (p value < 0.001). The effect sizes (ranging from 0.86 to 0.89) indicated large effects for all three scales, suggesting substantial improvements in balance, efficacy, and mobility post-intervention.Conclusion: OEP was found to be effective in improving balance in diabetic neuropathy, thus reducing the risk of falls in these patients. How to cite this article:Sangma A, Lakhotia S. Efficacy of 4 Weeks of Otago Exercise Programme in Improving Balance and Reducing Fall Risk in Persons with Diabetic Neuropathy. Chettinad Health City Med J. 2024;13(4):69-74. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202461