Aerobic Training Improves Symptoms of Neuropathy and Quality of Life in Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Painful symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is common in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which can reduce the quality of life. The effect of aerobic training on neuropathic symptoms and quality of life in people with type 2 diabetes with peripheral neuropathy was investigated in the present study.

Twenty-four patients with DPN participated in this randomized controlled study. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental or control groups. The experimental group underwent exercise training consisting of 20-45 minutes aerobic training on the treadmill at 50%-70% of heart rate reserve over three months. Before and after the experimental period, blood samples were taken in a fasting state, and Michigan Diabetic Neuropathy Score (MDNS), monofilament test and quality of life (QOL), and sleep quality (SQ) questionnaires were completed. Data analysis was performed using repeated-measures ANOVA.

In the experimental group MDNS score significantly improved compared with the control condition (P<0.05). There was a significant difference between groups regarding 10 g monofilament test score (P<0.05). Moreover, QOL and SQ significantly improved in the experimental group with a significant inter-group difference (P<0.05). Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level decreased by 7.4% in the experimental group, which was statistically different from the control group (P<0.05). Pearson’s correlation indicated a significant correlation between HbA1c level and monofilament score.

Regular aerobic training over a short period potentially improves symptoms of DPN and QOL. Lowered levels of HbA1c were correlated with improved foot sensation.