Abstract / Summary
Introduction: Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus, often leading to altered plantar pressure, foot dysfunction, and increased risk of foot ulcers. Physiotherapy interventions such as Muscle Energy Technique (MET) and conventional strengthening and mobility exercises may improve foot biomechanics and functional outcomes in these patients. Aim: To evaluate the effect of Foot MET compared with strengthening and mobility exercises, both combined with sensory integration training, on plantar pressure distribution and foot function in patients with moderate DPN. Materials and Methods: An open-label randomised controlled trial was conducted in the Department of Physiotherapy at Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Belagavi, Karnataka, India, from July 2025 to December 2025, on 24 participants aged 50-75 years diagnosed with moderate DPN. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: Group-A received MET with sensory integration, and Group-B received strengthening and mobility exercises with sensory integration. Interventions were administered three times weekly for four weeks. Data normality was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Within-group and between-group comparisons were performed using the Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test and Mann-Whitney U test, respectively. Effect size was calculated using standardised correlation coefficient (r). Results: Both groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in plantar pressure distribution, pain, disability, activity limitation, and total Foot Function Index (FFI) scores post-intervention (p<0.001). Effect sizes were larger in Group-A, indicating a greater magnitude of improvement. Between-group analysis showed that MET resulted in significantly better plantar pressure redistribution, pain reduction, and overall foot function compared with strengthening and mobility exercises. Conclusion: Both MET and strengthening and mobility exercises with sensory integration effectively improved plantar pressure and foot function in patients with DPN. MET demonstrated superior outcomes and may be considered an effective physiotherapy intervention to enhance foot biomechanics and functional performance in individuals with diabetic neuropathy.