Efficacy of Balance Training and Motor Coordination Exercises on Mild Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract Background: Mild cognitive impairment, also known as central neuropathy, is a “new diabetic complication”. 10%–15% of diabetic patients having cognitive issues are converting to dementia. Aims and Objectives: This study evaluates the efficacy of balance training with motor coordination exercises on cognitive impairment and central reaction time. Methods: This pre–post experimental study was conducted on 30 ( n = 30) diabetic patients with cognitive impairment. Patients aged 35–55 years have glycated hemoglobin levels of 6.0%–8.0%. Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale score (MoCA) score <24 with the presence of diabetes <5 years were included in the study. Patients were screened by the Addenbrooke Cognitive Examination Scale, Indian version (ACE-III), MoCA for cognitive functions and Stroop test for central reaction time. Outcome variables were measured at 2 points, on 1 st day and at the end of 5 th week. Patients with hypertension, neurodegenerative disorders, visual impairments, and hearing impairments were excluded. Results: After 5-week intervention, there was improvement in the mean score of ACE-III from 42.2 ± 5 to 48.8 ± 3 with ( P = 0.02), whereas MoCA means score improved from 19.3 ± 2 to 24.6 ± 2 ( P = 0.03) and mean score of Stroop test was improved from 60 s ± 2 to 8 s ± 2 ( P = 0.04). Conclusions: We conclude that there is improvement in memory, visuospatial skills, and concentration which further reflected upon aiding central reaction time; however, no significant improvement was observed in executive skills and abstract thinking.