Perspectives of patients having Diabetes Peripheral Neuropathy about Neural Mobilization and Laser Therapy: A Mixed-method study
Description
This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Neural Mobilization and Class-IV Laser Therapy on neuropathic symptoms, quality of life, balance, proprioception, plantar pressure distribution, nerve conduction parameters, and autonomic function in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and to explore patients’ perspectives regarding both the interventions. Individuals diagnosed with DPN were recruited based on the predefined selection criteria. Outcome measures included S-LANSS, NeuroQoL-H questionnaire, static balance, proprioception, plantar pressure distribution, nerve conduction velocity, and sympathetic skin response. Outcome measurements were taken at baseline, during the 3rd week, 5th week and 7th week, following completion of each three-week intervention phase. Interview of all the participants were taken at 7th week after the completion of both the interventions. The participants were distributed into two groups: Group 1 and Group 2. Group 1 received Neural Mobilization of the tibial and common peroneal nerves, with 3 sets of 30 repetitions (15 each for sliders and tensioners) in 2 minutes, followed by a 1-minute rest interval; 4 times/week for 3 weeks Group 2 received Class-IV Laser therapy administered bilaterally over the popliteal fossa, neck of fibula, medial malleolus, and plantar surface of the foot using a grid-based technique to ensure uniform energy distribution. The dosage parameters included a wavelength of 980nm, power 8W, and an energy density ranging from 10-20J/cm2, administered at a constant speed of 1cm/sec for a total duration of 12-14 minutes (6-7 mins to each side); 4 times/week for 3weeks. After the washout period of 1-week intervention were reversed, group 1 became group 2 and group 2 became group 1.