Tai Chi vs. Modified-Otago Exercises for Pain, Balance, and Motor Function in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Launched by RIPHAH INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY · Jul 21, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at two different exercise programs—Tai Chi and Modified-Otago—to see how well they help people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). DPN is a common problem for people with type 2 diabetes that causes pain, balance issues, and trouble moving around. The study wants to find out which exercise might be better at reducing pain, improving balance, and helping with movement. Tai Chi involves slow, gentle movements combined with mental focus, while the Modified-Otago program focuses on strength and balance exercises designed to prevent falls.

The trial is open to men and women aged 40 to 80 who have had type 2 diabetes for at least five years and have been dealing with nerve pain for six months or more, with a pain level of at least 3 out of 10. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the Tai Chi group or the Modified-Otago group. Both groups will take part in 24 exercise sessions over eight weeks (three times a week), along with some additional treatments like heat therapy and warm-up exercises. The researchers will measure pain, balance, and walking ability before, right after, and two weeks after the program ends to see how well each exercise helps. This study aims to help doctors recommend the best exercises to improve quality of life for people with diabetic nerve problems.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Both genders are aged 40-80 years
• • Patient having Types ii diabetes with Minimum of 5 years since diabetes diagnosis
• • Patients experiencing chronic pain for at least 6 months and level ≥ 3 on NPRS.
• • Patient having ≥ 6 score on Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Scoring System for diabetic neuropathy
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Non-ambulatory patients
• • Patients with ulceration/infection of feet, medical/surgical conditions
• • Patients suffering from stroke, parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis