Effects of spinal orthosis with joints providing resistive force on walking ability in patients with diabetic neuropathy - a single case design

Abstract

Objective : To evaluate the combined effects of exercise therapy and Trunk Solution Core (TSC), a combined with a spinal orthosis with joints providing resistive force, in patients with diabetic neuropathy (DN).

Methods: The subject was a male DN patient in his 40s undergoing hemodialysis therapy. The study used an AB-type single-case design: Phase A was the conventional practice phase in which the patient practiced walking, and Phase B was the intervention phase in which the patient used the TSC for walking practice. The intervention period was 2 weeks for both periods, with a total practice frequency of 3 times per week on non-dialysis days for a total of 4 weeks. An evaluation was based on the difference in comfortable walking speed and the modified Borg Scale before and after the intervention. Effectiveness was visually analyzed using the standard deviation band method.

Results: The mean values of walking speed (m/s) and the difference of modified Borg scale were [0.7±0.1/1.0±0.1] and [3.5±0.8/2.3±0.8], respectively, in each period [Period A/Period B].

Conclusion: The use of TSC in patient with DN associated with hemodialysis therapy resulted in less fatigue and improved walking ability.