New Vibrating insole system may improve postural balance and gait quality during walking in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: Study

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes, leading to impaired balance and gait. These issues increase the risk of falls and negatively impact the quality of life. Vibrating insoles have been proposed as a potential intervention to enhance sensory feedback and improve mobility in DPN patients.

The study enrolled 22 men with DPN to assess the impact of vibrating insoles on gait quality and dynamic balance. Using a motion capture system and force plates, researchers evaluated participants across seven vibratory insole conditions (Vcs) compared to a control condition (Ctrl) with no vibration. Vibration was applied during standing and walking tasks, with 15-minute rest periods between conditions. The primary outcomes measured were gait speed and dynamic balance.

• Gait Speed Improvement: Gait speed during walking significantly improved in all vibratory conditions compared to the control (P < 0.005). Specifically, Vc2, Vc4, and Vc6 were the most effective.

Stair Ascent:

• Ctrl vs. Vc2: 0.447 ± 0.180 vs. 0.517 ± 0.127 m/s; P = 0.037

• Ctrl vs. Vc4: 0.447 ± 0.180 vs. 0.482 ± 0.197 m/s; P = 0.047

• Ctrl vs. Vc6: 0.447 ± 0.180 vs. 0.506 ± 0.179 m/s; P = 0.043

Stair Descent:

• Ctrl vs. Vc2: 0.394 ± 0.170 vs. 0.487 ± 0.125 m/s; P = 0.016

• Ctrl vs. Vc4: 0.394 ± 0.170 vs. 0.438 ± 0.181 m/s; P = 0.017

• Ctrl vs. Vc6: 0.394 ± 0.170 vs. 0.463 ± 0.159 m/s; P = 0.026

• Postural Balance: Improvement during quiet standing with eyes closed was noted in Vc2, Vc4, Vc6, and Vc7 (P < 0.005).

The study highlights the potential of vibrating insoles as an acute intervention to enhance mobility and balance in individuals with DPN. The improvements in gait speed and postural balance suggest that stimulating the entire plantar foot surface can provide significant benefits. These findings are particularly relevant for developing strategies to prevent falls and improve the quality of life in DPN patients.

Vibrating insoles are an effective strategy for improving postural balance and gait quality in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The benefits are most pronounced when the entire plantar foot surface is stimulated, making vibrating insoles a promising tool for managing mobility issues in DPN patients.

Reference:

Orlando, G., Brown, S., Jude, E., Bowling, F. L., Boulton, A. J. M., & Reeves, N. D. (2024). Acute effects of vibrating insoles on dynamic balance and gait quality in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A randomized crossover study. Diabetes Care, 47(6), 1004–1011. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc23-1858