Effectiveness of Neural Mobilization in improving ankle range of motion and plantar pressure distribution in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A single group pretest- posttest quasi experimental study

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is the commonest complication in individuals with type2 diabetes. The severity of neuropathy is seen to be increased along with the duration of diabetes. In previous studies, it was found that ankle mobility is significantly reduced, both dorsiflexion and plantarflexion ranges are affected significantly. Also, the pressure under the different areas of foot is also altered with much higher pressure under certain foot areas which can lead to damage of dermal layers and causing damage and may lead to diabetic ulcers in foot. Neural mobilization is a newer technique which is currently being used for treating Neuro-musculoskeletal conditions and showing good results. In our study, we used neural mobilization to see the effect in improving the ankle mobility and plantar foot pressure distribution in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The outcome measures taken was Ankle ROM (Active & Passive) using the universal goniometer and the plantar pressure distribution using Harris mat. The outcome measurements were taken at baseline and at 4 weeks after completion of intervention. For ankle ROM measurements, the participants were taken in siting position. The plantar pressure distribution was taken in dynamic situation where patient was asked to walk on the clear 5 meter path in which Harris mat was placed in between. The procedure was then repeated with another foot.