RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to investigate the effect of resistance training using an elastic band on balance and fear of falling in older adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. DESIGN: The study was a clinical controlled trial with a repeated measure design. SETTING: Iranian Diabetes Foundation of Mashhad. PARTICIPANTS: The participants were 51 older adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and balance impairment (N=51). INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomly assigned to 2 groups; 1 group received balance training using an elastic band and the other group just received balance training. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcomes were balance and fear of falling that were measured using Berg Balance Scale and a short version of the Fall Efficiency Scale-International, respectively. RESULTS: The results showed that balance resistance training with and without using an elastic band significantly enhances balance and reduces fear of falling in diabetic older adults suffering from balance issues. However, balance resistance training using an elastic band had a significantly better effect on the balance and fear of falling in the participants. The best results were obtained after week 12 (48 sessions of balance training). CONCLUSION: Balance rehabilitation programs may include an elastic band in balance resistance training for 12 weeks (3-4 sessions a week) for enhancing balance in diabetic older adults suffering from balance impairment.