Responsiveness of Multiple Balance Assessment Tools in Patients With Peripheral Neuropathy

Diabetes is a serious, long-term condition with a major impact on the lives and well-being of individuals, families, and societies worldwide. Diabetic neuropathy is its most common clinical consequence. Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is defined as "the presence of symptoms and/or signs of peripheral nerve dysfunction in people with diabetes after the exclusion of other causes." A person with DPN is up to 20 times more likely to fall than a non-diabetic of the same age, making falls an even more significant therapeutic concern. As a result of decreased balance, people with DPN are predisposed to falls, which can lead to injury, decreased balance confidence, fear-related avoidance of activities, and decreased quality of life. So, this study aims to assess the responsiveness and sensitivity of Berg Balance Scale, Mini-BESTest, and Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale in the population of DPN and it will also predict which of them is the most responsive and sensitive and first evaluates changes in balance of patients with DPN. After the comparison of responsiveness and sensitivity of these scales, it can predict the best tool for early assessment of balance impairment in the people with DPN. This study will be beneficial in early identification of fall risk and minimization of fall related injuries and complications.