Potential efficacy of sensorimotor exercise program on pain, proprioception, mobility, and quality of life in diabetic patients with foot burns: A 12-week randomized control study

Background: Both diabetes mellitus (DM) and burn injuries lead to physical and psychological impairments. Foot burns are still a challenging health condition because of its important sensory role. No previous studies have assessed the physical therapy intervention on diabetic patients with foot burns. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the potential efficacy of sensorimotor exercise on pain, proprioception, mobility, balance, and quality of life in diabetic patients with foot burns. Methods: Between July 2019 and February 2020, thirty-three diabetic patients with foot burns, aged 32 to 46 yrs, were enrolled in this randomized control study, and randomized consecutively into two groups, study group (n = 16) and control group (n = 17). The study group underwent a sensorimotor exercise program thrice a week for 12 consecutive weeks, however the control group did not undergo the exercise intervention. Both groups were instructed to conduct home exercises. Visual analogue scale (VAS), proprioceptive responses, time-up and go (TUG) values, and short form-36 (SF-36) have been assessed prior and subsequent to the study intervention. Results: No significant differences were observed between groups regarding baseline data (p ˃ 0.05). Subsequent to 12 wk intervention, the study group showed significant improvements in outcome measures (proprioceptive responses, p ˂ 0.05, VAS, p ˂ 0.001, TUG, p = 0.003, and SF-36, p ˂ 0.001) and the control group exhibited significant changes in VAS and SF-36 (p = 0.004, p = 0.043 respectively) however, no significant changes were found in proprioceptive responses and TUG values (p ˃ 0.05). Between groups, the post-intervention comparison demonstrated statistical differences with tending toward the study group (proprioceptive responses, p ˂ 0.05, VAS, p ˂ 0.001, TUG, p = 0.013, and SF-36, p = 0.046). Conclusions: Sensorimotor exercise training may improve, pain, proprioceptive responses, mobility, balance, and quality of life in diabetic patients with foot burns. Physiotherapists and rehabilitation providers should include the sensorimotor exercise in their protocols in the treatment of diabetic patients with foot burns.