The present study is designed to compare the effectiveness of perturbation-based balance training performed on two different surfaces, stable (firm surface) and unstable (rolling board), for enhancing static, dynamic, and reactive balance in individuals diagnosed with diabetic neuropathy. This randomized clinical trial will recruit a total of 42 participants, with the sample size calculated using Epi Tool software. A consecutive sampling technique will be implemented. Eligible participants who fulfill the inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned into two equal groups (n = 21 each) through an online randomization method. Participants in Group A will undergo perturbation-based balance exercises on a stable surface, whereas participants in Group B will receive similar training on a rolling board to introduce surface instability. In addition to the primary intervention, both groups will receive contrast bath therapy as a standard baseline treatment. Written as well as verbal informed consent will be obtained prior to participation. The intervention protocol will span four weeks, consisting of three sessions per week on alternate days, resulting in a total of twelve treatment sessions. The primary outcomes will focus on balance performance and fall risk. These outcomes will be measured using the Berg Balance Scale, the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test, and the Timed Up and Go test. Screening for diabetic neuropathy will be carried out using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument. Statistical analysis will be performed using SPSS version 23.
Individuals with a confirmed clinical diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes (HbA1c ≥ 6.5%) (Bolen et al., 2016).
Participants with a diabetes duration of more than 10 years (Grewal et al., 2015).
Participants exhibiting signs and symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (such as numbness, tingling, burning, shooting or electric shock-like pain, and glove-and-stocking distribution), confirmed using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument with scores of 6-8 (patient version) and 2.5-4 (physical assessment) (Haque et al., 2022).
Participants aged between 40 and 75 years (Rasool et al., 2024).
Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) will be excluded (Daud et al., 2021).
Those with cognitive deficits (such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease) that may interfere with comprehension or compliance with study procedures will not be included (Hatton et al., 2019).
Individuals presenting with foot drop or other neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, myelopathy, or cerebellar ataxia) that could affect the study findings will be excluded (Khurshid et al., 2025).
Patients who have recently undergone surgery, sustained trauma to the feet or lower limbs, or have any foot amputation will not be eligible (Collings et al., 2023).
Parallel
Group A (Perturbation Based Training on Firm Surface)
Other interventionManual perturbations will be applied in four directions: right lateral, left lateral, forward, and backward. Training will be performed in progressive positions, starting from sitting, advancing to kneeling, and then to standing. Each session will include two sets of perturbation training, 5 minutes per set and a 10-second rest interval provided between successive perturbations. The intervention will be conducted three days per week on alternate days, with a total of 10 perturbations delivered per session. Total treatment time will be 45 minutes. Progression to more challenging positions will occur once the patient demonstrates adequate balance control following manual perturbations. The total duration of the treatment program will be four weeks. Contrast bath therapy will be administered for a total duration of 20 minutes. The protocol will involve immersion in cold water (60-70°F) for 1 minute followed by warm water (100-105°F) for 3 minutes, repeated for five cycles.
Group B (Perturbation Based Training on Rolling Board)
Other interventionManual perturbations will be applied in multiple directions while the patient stands on a rolling board. During the procedure, the therapist will manually perturb the rolling board to challenge the patient's balance. Each session will consist of two sets of training, with each set lasting 5 minutes and a 10-second rest interval between successive perturbations. The intervention will be performed three days per week on alternate days, with a total of 10 perturbations delivered per session. Each treatment session will last approximately 45 minutes. Initially, the training will be conducted within parallel bars for safety and will later be progressed outside the bars as the patient's balance improves. The total duration of the treatment program will be four weeks. Contrast bath therapy will be administered for a total duration of 20 minutes. The protocol will involve immersion in cold water (60-70°F) for 1 minute followed by warm water (100-105°F) for 3 minutes, repeated for five cycles.
Static and dynamic balance
Static and dynamic balance will be measured using the standard Berg Balance Scale, a widely used clinical tool for assessing balance performance and fall risk. It consists of 14 functional tasks, including sitting, standing, reaching, turning, and transferring, with each item scored on a 5-point scale from 0 to 4. Higher total scores indicate better balance ability.
Reactive balance
The Mini-Balance Evaluation System Test (Mini-BESTest) will be used to assess reactive balance and postural control. It evaluates different balance systems, including anticipatory adjustments, reactive responses, sensory orientation, and dynamic gait, through functional balance tasks.
Risk of Fall
The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) will be used to assess functional mobility and fall risk. In this test, participants are timed while standing up from a chair, walking 3 meters, turning, returning, and sitting down again, with longer completion times indicating greater fall risk.
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