effectiveness of rebounder and foot-ankle exercises on biomechanics and quality of life in peripheral neuropathy patients

Purpose: this research compares the effectiveness of weight-bearing exercise on a rebounder, as well as ankle exercise therapy on biomechanics and quality of life (qol) in patients with diabetic neuropathic feet.methods: the present investigation is a clinical trial study with two experimental groups and one control group. a total of 48 women were selected in this study who had diabetes mellitus type 2 with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. data was collected using the michigan neuropathy screening instrument, foot health questionnaire, fall efficacy scale international, and qol questionnaire. the first experimental group (n=16) engaged in rebound exercises for eight weeks, while the second experimental group (n=16) engaged in at-home ankle treatment exercises. the control group (n=16) was not given any particular treatment other than standard care, which consisted of medication, therapy prescribed by the medical team, and instructions for self-care included in a training manual. the data were analyzed using a correlated t-test and an analysis of covariance.results: the results showed that applying rebound exercises and exercise therapy in exercise groups had a significant effect on the two components of the peak pressure of the medial forefoot area and the peak pressure of the lateral forefoot area of the right and left feet (p=0.05), the risk of falling (p=0.05), dynamic balance (p=0.05), and qol (p=0.05), but not in the control group after 8 weeks (p<0.05).conclusion: to prevent foot problems in diabetic peripheral neuropathy populations and improve their independence for daily routines, the exercise programs presented in this research as a non-pharmacological intervention can be a promising approach. specifically, the weight-bearing training program on a rebounder and the ankle exercise therapy program was effective in improving plantar pressure, fall risk, dynamic balance, and quality of life.