@article{ref1,
title="Combined exercise and visual gaze training improves stepping accuracy in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy",
journal="Journal of diabetes and its complications",
year="2019",
author="Handsaker, Joseph C. and Brown, Steven J. and Petrovic, Milos and Bowling, Frank L. and Rajbhandari, Satyan and Marple-Horvat, Dilwyn E. and Boulton, Andrew J. M. and Reeves, Neil D.",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="INTRODUCTION: Patients with diabetes and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) place their feet with less accuracy whilst walking, which may contribute to the increased falls-risk. This study examines the effects of a multi-faceted intervention on stepping accuracy, in patients with diabetes and DPN. <br><br>METHODS: Forty participants began the study, of which 29 completed both the pre and post-intervention tests, 8 patients with DPN, 11 patients with diabetes but no neuropathy (D) and 10 healthy controls (C). Accuracy of stepping was measured pre- and post-intervention as participants walked along an irregularly arranged stepping walkway. Participants attended a one-hour session, once a week, for sixteen weeks, involving high-load resistance exercise and visual-motor training. <br><br>RESULTS: Patients who took part in the intervention improved stepping accuracy (DPN: +45%; D: +36%) (p < 0.05). The diabetic non-intervention (D-NI) group did not display any significant differences in stepping accuracy pre- to post- the intervention period (-7%). <br><br>DISCUSSION: The improved stepping accuracy observed in patients with diabetes and DPN as a result of this novel intervention, may contribute towards reducing falls-risk. This multi-faceted intervention presents promise for improving the general mobility and safety of patients during walking and could be considered for inclusion as part of clinical treatment programmes.<br><br>Copyright © 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1056-8727",
doi="10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2019.07.001",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2019.07.001"
}