Technological Rehabilitation of Distal Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy in Diabetic Patients

Recent studies witnessed how physical exercise may interrupt the devastating decrease of muscle performance in DSP and further experiments are underway to find more exercises for the recovery of motor function impairment. In fact the rehabilitation treatment, that aims at reducing motor disability, preserving gait functions and preventing falling risks, is an interesting therapeutic approach. Literature recommends balance re-training exercises, muscle strengthening, selective stretching and retraining of motor activity.

New technologies produced in the recent decades different devices used in strengthening exercises (electromechanical dynamometers), balance recovery (balance platforms) and gait (analyzing treadmills) have visual feedbacks through which the patients may independently monitor accuracy and intensity of their exercises, being therefore strongly motivated and resulting in a high training intensity. These technologies are often used in rehabilitation of different patients, but are rarely employed for DSP.

The purpose of this case control study was to examine the effectiveness of the application of analysing treadmill, muscle strengthening and balance training compared to a control intervention in patients with diabetic neuropathy.

Inclusion criteria

• The participants need to have a history of diabetes mellitus type 2, >3 years, (i.e., time from the diagnosis or the beginning of first related signs or symptoms),
• A diagnosis of Distal Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy associated,
• Able to walk autonomously, eventually with a aid.

Exclusion criteria

• Scoring less than 5 points on the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) (7) locomotion scale,
• Presenting articular ankyloses, contractures, spasms with important locomotion effects,
• Presenting bony instability affecting lower limb functionality (unconsolidated fractures, vertebral instability, severe osteoporosis),
• In presence of attendant clinicopathological conditions contraindicating the rehabilitation treatment (respiratory insufficiency, cardiac/circulatory failure, osteomyelitis, phlebitis and different other conditions),
• In presence of cutaneous lesions at lower limbs,
• Scoring less than 22 points on the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE),
• Exhibit important behavioural diseases involving aggressivity or psychotic disorders.
• Had received prior interventions for Distal Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy.