Long-term benefits of somatosensory training to improve balance of elderly with diabetes mellitus

SummaryWe evaluate the effects of somatosensory training on the mean amplitude of the center of pressure (COP) in the upright position and the sustained benefits after 6-month. Twelve elderly patients with type II diabetes (T2DM) participated in the study. Patients with T2DM were allocated to the somatosensory protocol, which consisted of a circuit composed of 13 stations with different textures. The rehabilitation protocol was applied twice a week during the period of 12 weeks. Upright balance, in 2 situations (fixed platform with eyes open and closed) to evaluate the mean amplitude of COP oscillation in the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions and the total area of COP oscillation. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, post-exercise and 6-month follow-up. The somatosensory training protocol was beneficial to reduce the AP oscillation of the COP, remaining after 6 months of the end of intervention in elderly with T2DM.