Effect of Applying Brain Gym Exercises on Balance and Concerns about falls among Patients with Diabetic Neuropathy

Elshemy, Monera B.; Fareed, Manal ElSayed; Deep, Shereen Hussein

doi:10.21608/menj.2023.339859

Effect of Applying Brain Gym Exercises on Balance and Concerns about falls among Patients with Diabetic Neuropathy

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Assist Professor Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University

² Prof.of Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University

³ Lecturer of Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Menoufia University

10.21608/menj.2023.339859

Abstract

Background: Type II diabetes mellitus (DM), which is regarded as a modern pandemic worldwide, is considered a serious public health problem in Egypt that precipitates to diabetic neuropathy on the long run. Purpose: The current study's purpose was to determine the effect of applying brain gym exercises on balance and concerns about falls among patients with diabetic neuropathy. Design: A quasi-experimental (pre -post test) study research design was utilized to accomplish the purpose of the study. Sampling: A purposive sample of 79 patients who visited the diabetic clinic in Shebin El Kom Teaching Hospital during period of data collection were included in the study. Instruments: The researchers used five instruments to collect the data as follows: Instrument one: Characteristics of patients interviewing questionnaire, Instrument two: Michigan Neuropathy screening instrument, Instrument three: Mini Mental State Examination Scale, Instrument four: Berg Balance Scale and Instrument five: The Falls Efficacy Scale International (FES-I).Results: There was statistical significance improvement of neuropathic symptoms, neurological examination post brain gym exercises implementation than pre brain gym exercises where the p value was 0.000. There was statistical significant improvement in level of total balance post brain gym exercises (20.77±7.70 pre vs 41.15±5.62 post). There is negative correlation between total neuropathy symptoms, total neurological examination, and total balance score. Moreover, positive correlation was found between total neuropathic symptoms, and total falls efficacy. Conclusion: Implementing Brain gym exercises for two weeks has significant role is promoting balance, reducing risk of falling and ameliorating the symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Moreover, brain gym exercises improved the cognitive functions of patients with diabetes. Recommendation: Public awareness about brain gym exercises in all diabetic clinics and hospitals using booklet and mobile applications. Also, future studies about the effect of brain gym exercises in the same and on other neurological problems should be conducted to provide the best hope for improving neurological disorders.

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