Effectiveness of Neuromuscular Taping on Balance, Proprioception, Pain and Nerve Conduction Parameters in Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Description
The section discussed various diagnostic approaches and physical examination techniques for assessing DPN. A comprehensive neurological assessment is crucial, including tests for cranial nerves, muscle tone, and possible systemic illnesses. Key diagnostic methods highlighted include nerve conduction studies (NCS), skin biopsies for intraepidermal nerve fiber density, and corneal confocal microscopy, which provides non-invasive imaging of corneal nerves. The text also emphasizes the importance of quantitative sensory testing (QST) in evaluating sensory function and identifies clinical scoring systems for assessing DPN severity. Pain assessment tools like the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs Pain Scale (LANSS) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) are discussed, noting their utility in tracking pain reduction over time. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing DPN by reducing symptoms and enhancing quality of life. Key interventions include exercise programs that improve strength, flexibility, and balance, which help mitigate fall risks and promote circulation. Neuromuscular re-education addresses sensory deficits, while pain management strategies like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) alleviate neuropathic pain. Patient education on foot care is essential for preventing complications. Research highlights the effectiveness of various conventional physiotherapy treatments, such as LASER therapy and neural mobilization, in reducing pain and disability, underscoring the importance of a multifaceted approach to optimize outcomes for individuals with DPN. Several studies have examined the effects of neuromuscular taping (NMT) on various conditions and populations, but only a few have demonstrated its effectiveness. Notably, there is limited literature on the impact of NMT specifically for DPN, highlighting a gap that warrants further investigation. Exploring the effects of NMT on DPN is essential to establish solid evidence for this emerging treatment method and its potential benefits for patients. A total of 46 participants were recruited and divided into two groups: the experimental group (Group A, N=23) and the control group (Group B, N-23). An 8-week physiotherapy intervention was administered, incorporating NMT on the bilateral tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior. Normality was checked using Shapiro-wilk test and parametric and non- tests were used to analyze the data based on the normality. Both groups e-value demonstrated significant improvements across all variables at p<0.05 though some nerve conduction parameters specifically latency of right and left tibial and peroneal nerves, conduction velocity in the tibial nerves, amplitude in the peroneal nerves, and H-reflex latency and amplitude did not show significant changes (p>0.05). Group A exhibited more substantial clinical and symptomatic improvements compared to Group B, with effect sizes ranging from moderate to large (0.66-1) across all outcomes.
Files
Steps to reproduce
A total of 46 participants were recruited and divided into two groups: the experimental group (Group A, N=23) and the control group (Group B, N-23). An 8-week physiotherapy intervention was administered, incorporating NMT on the bilateral tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior, peroneus longus muscles, and the transverse arch of the foot, alongside Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) on the tibial and peroneal nerves. Group B received sham taping and TENS under the same parameters. Assessments were conducted at baseline, the 4th week, and the end of the 8th week using outcome measures; Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Signs and Symptoms (LANSS), and nerve conduction parameters such as latency, amplitude, and conduction velocity of bilateral tibial, peroneal, and sural nerves.