Therapeutic Interventions to Improve Static Balance in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Author: Ana Crisitna Marques Pedro1, Bruna Larysse Diógenes Campelo1, Wellington Costa Souza1, Fernanda Mello da Silva Sous2, Vinicius Saura Cardoso3, Rebeca Barbosa da Rocha4
Affiliation:
1 Parnaiba Delta Federal University BioSignal Laboratory, School of Physical Therapy, Parnaiba, Brazil.
2 Parnaiba Delta Federal University Postgraduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Parnaiba, Brazil.
3 School of Physical Therapy Postgraduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Parnaiba, Brazil.
4 Center of Medical Specialties Diabetic Foot Clinic, Parnaiba, Brazil.
Conference/Journal: Curr Diabetes Rev
Date published: 2024 Jan 24
Other: Special Notes: doi: 10.2174/0115733998272338231213070602. , Word Count: 217


Introduction:
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by an abnormal increase in blood glucose levels, resulting from insulin secretion and/or dysfunctional activity that can lead to several serious complications in addition to decreased postural balance.

Objective:
This study aimed to identify and analyze the main interventions used to improve static balance in patients with DM.

Methods:
For the selection of articles, a bibliographic search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane databases. Only clinical trials that investigated the effect of training on static balance in adults with type 2 DM were selected, and 34 studies were included.

Results:
The search resulted in the identification of 2681 articles, and of these, 31 were eligible for the study. The identified interventions were proprioceptive, aerobic, resistance training, on platforms, in virtual reality, and Tai Chi. The main results obtained were increase in time in the one-leg stance, Romberg test, and tandem position, a significant increase in the Berg Balance Scale score, balance index, and reduction in the variables of postural sway.

Conclusion:
There are a variety of effective training methods for improving static balance, and the choice of intervention to be applied goes beyond proven effectiveness, depending on reproducibility and/or financial cost.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; diabetic neuropathies; exercise therapy; postural balance; rehabilitation; systematic review..

PMID: 38310484 DOI: 10.2174/0115733998272338231213070602

BACK