Nerve flossing vs sensory training: which helps diabetic feet more?
NCT ID NCT07841730
First seen Sep 25, 2026 · Last updated Sep 25, 2026
Summary
Researchers compare two physical therapy approaches for people with diabetic foot ulcers: tibial nerve mobilization (nerve flossing) and multisensory exercises. Thirty-eight adults aged 55 to 75 with type 2 diabetes and early-stage ulcers join supervised sessions three times a week for four weeks. The study measures balance, quality of life, neuropathy severity, and ulcer healing to see which method works better.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- tibial nerve mobilization, a hands-on physical therapy technique also called nerve flossing or neural gliding
- What this could lead to
- If one approach works better, physical therapists could tailor rehabilitation plans for diabetic foot ulcers, possibly improving balance, nerve symptoms, and quality of life.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, short study of 38 people with early-stage ulcers, so results may not apply broadly. Physical therapy carries low risk, but it may not outperform standard care.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 38 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Sep 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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May 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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55 to 75 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 55-75 years * Diagnosed cases of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by clinical and laboratory tests. * Both male and female participants. * Grade 0 and Grade 1 diabetic foot ulcers, as classified by the Wagner Ulcer Classification. * Participants must have poor glycemic control according to HbA1c ≥ 7.5 % or Fasting Blood Glucose ≥ 130 mg/dl or Random Blood Glucose ≥ 200 mg/dl. * Patient with healed ulcer or in last stage of healing duration \>1 to 2 weeks * Absence of active infection. * No cognitive impairments that would affect participation. * Diabetes duration of less than 10 years. * Able to perform the exercises and participate in physical therapy sessions. * No history of amputation above the metatarsophalangeal joint. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of other systemic diseases apart from diabetes, such as autoimmune diseases or rheumatoid arthritis. * Foot ulcers that are classified as Grade 2 or higher using the Wagner Ulcer Classification. * Recent fractures, or trauma leading to nerve injuries in the last year. * Neurological disorders including Parkinson's disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or neuropathy from other causes. * Visual impairments or cognitive disorders that could affect participation. * History of recent vascular complications, surgical procedures for lower limbs in the last 6 months, or amputation above the metatarsophalangeal joint. * Severe DPN with Michigan Diabetic Neuropathy Score (MDNS) above 30, or abnormal nerve conduction studies. * Pregnancy or unwillingness to participate.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The official record
The full official record for this study. This one lists no contact details, but it is the first place any would appear.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
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