Effects of 12-week integrated exercise training on glycemic and peripheral sensation control in diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Neuropathy control and management is an objective in therapeutic exercises prescribed for patients with Type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy. We examined the effects of 12-week integrated exercises (IE) on glycemic control and peripheral sensation criteria in patients with diabetic neuropathy.

Based on scores of MNSI, we assigned 40 patients into two equal paired random groups (control vs. IE). Pre and post-tests were administered before and after three months of intervention for 3 sessions per week with a time of 60 minutes in the first week and gradually increased with the duration and volume of training to 90 minutes in the final session. 

Repeated measures ANOVA showed no significant interaction between FBS of the groups (P = .26), but significant interactions were observed between the levels of 2 hrs pp G , 4 pm G, HbA1c, Diapason, Monofilament, and Thermofeel in favor of the IE group (P <.05).

At the beginning of the IE, we used massage and foam roller to release pain, and improve blood circulation as well as sensation in the neuropathic areas. This may have helped the patients perform the aerobic and resistance exercises more easily Therefore, better glycemic control and peripheral sensation was achieved. Verification of the long-term effects of this training strategy requires further study.