Sonar (2026) Aquatic versus Land-Based Balance Training for Fall Risk in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
In short: In this randomized controlled trial, 56 adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy did four weeks of balance training in water or on land. Both groups improved balance and functional mobility, and kept these gains at one-month follow-up; there was no significant difference between the groups.
About this study
Sonar and Thaver randomly allocated 56 participants aged 40 to 75 to a land group (n = 28) or an aquatic group (n = 28). Both groups followed the Fitness and Mobility Exercise (FAME) protocol in 45-minute sessions, three times a week for four weeks. Balance was measured with the Berg Balance Scale and functional mobility with the Timed Up and Go test, at baseline, after the program and after one month.
Main findings
- Both groups improved significantly on the Berg Balance Scale and the Timed Up and Go test.
- The improvements were maintained at one-month follow-up.
- There were no significant differences between the aquatic and land-based groups.
The authors conclude
The authors conclude that both programs improve balance and reduce fall risk in adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and that aquatic training can be a practical alternative for people who benefit from reduced weight-bearing and greater confidence during exercise.
Limitations
The program lasted four weeks with a one-month follow-up, and no superiority of aquatic training was found.
Source
Sonar P, Thaver S. Aquatic versus Land-Based Balance Training for Fall Risk in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Indian Journal of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Science. 2026. doi: 10.5281/zenodo.21405152. Published under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) licence.
