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ABSTRACT
Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 8 wk of moderate intensity aerobic exercise on vibration perception threshold (VPT) in type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).
Methods Single blind parallel group randomized controlled trial was done in a tertiary center. Stratified block randomization was used for selecting participants. A total of 87 individuals participated in the study. After final randomization, there were only 47 individuals in the control group and 37 in the study group. The exercise group training was carried out in the range of 40% to 60% of heart rate reserve as an adjunct to this rating of perceived exertion (scale ranging from 6 to 20) before, during, and postexercise. For the control group, standard medical care, education for foot care, and diet (same as the experimental group) were given. Both the groups were assessed at baseline and wk 8.
Results On comparison of results for control and study group using repeated measures of analysis of variance for VPT measures for 3 sites (great toe, medial malleoli, first metatarsal phalanx), there was a significant difference between the 2 groups (df1, df2 = 1,63; F = 8.56; P < .001) for both lower limbs.
Conclusions Aerobic exercises have an augmentative effect on vibratory sensations of the peripheral nerves, which implicates an attenuating effect on DPN in type 2 diabetes. (Altern Ther Health Med. 2018;25(2):36-41.)
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is known for its varsities by its symptoms, pattern of neurologic involvement, course, risk, and underlying mechanisms.1,2 The most common form of a typical DPN is a chronic, symmetrical, length-dependent sensorimotor polyneuropathy.1,2
Many theories have been postulated to provide an insight into the pathology of DPN at cellular level like increased polyol flux, accumulation of advanced glycation end products, oxidative stress, and lipid alterations among other metabolic abnormalities.3 Eventually, long-standing hyperglycemia damages the small vessels of the body leading to symptoms of neuropathy in gloves and stockings pattern.3
There are various methods used to evaluate DPN in a clinical scenario. Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) has been assigned an important role in the diagnosis and prognosis of DPN. A very important aspect of QST systems is to assess and quantify sensory function in patients with neurologic symptoms.4...