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

Background: Painful symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is common in patients with type ۲ diabetes mellitus (T۲DM), which can reduce the quality of life. The effect of aerobic training on neuropathic symptoms and quality of life in people with type ۲ diabetes with peripheral neuropathy was investigated in the present study.Methods: 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 ۲۰-۴۵ minutes aerobic training on the treadmill at ۵۰%-۷۰% 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.Results: In the experimental group MDNS score significantly improved compared with the control condition (P < ۰.۰۵). There was a significant difference between groups regarding ۱۰ g monofilament test score (P < ۰.۰۵). Moreover, QOL and SQ significantly improved in the experimental group with a significant inter-group difference (P < ۰.۰۵). Hemoglobin A۱c (HbA۱c) level decreased by ۷.۴% in the experimental group, which was statistically different from the control group (P < ۰.۰۵). Pearson’s correlation indicated a significant correlation between HbA۱c level and monofilament score.Conclusion: Regular aerobic training over a short period potentially improves symptoms of DPN and QOL. Lowered levels of HbA۱c were correlated with improved foot sensation.

Keywords:

Type ۲ diabetes mellitus , Diabetic neuropathy , Exercise training , Pain , Life quality