The effects of combined physical procedures on the functional status of patients with diabetic polyneuropathy

Abstract

Background/Aim. Diabetic polyneuropathy is a common chronic complication in patients with diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to determine the importance of applied physical procedures on the functional status of diabetic polyneuropathy patients compared to the group of respondents treated by alpha-lipoic acid. Methods. Sixty subjects were divided into two groups: group A – diabetic polyneuropathy patients treated with physical procedures, and group B – diabetic polyneuropathy patients treated with alpha-lipoic acid. The study has lasted for three diagnostic and therapeutic cycles, each lasting for 16 days with a time between cycles of 6 weeks. Results. Manual muscle test, range of motion, Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument, and Berg balance scale values showed statistically significant improvement at the end of testing group A respondents, while no improvement was shown in group B respondents. Conclusion. The application of the combined physical procedures shows clear benefits for the improvement of muscle strength and mobility of the ankle joint in respondents with diabetic polyneuropathy.