Influence of low level laser therapy versus pulsed electromagnetic field on diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Abstract

Background: Peripheral neuropathy is a common complaint of diabetes, leading to pain and reduced motor nerve conduction velocity. Clinical symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are present in approximately 25% of diabetic individuals, while nearly all diabetics have a reduction of nerve conduction velocity. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) versus pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on pain intensity and motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) in patients with diabetic neuropathy. Methods: Thirty patientswith type II diabetes suffering from diabetic peripheral neuropathy, participated in this study for 4 weeks (3 sessions/week), and were chosen randomly from the diabetes and endocrine institution.Patients were randomized equally into two groups: Group A (LLLT group): received LLLT for lower extremities for 12 sessions at a frequency of 3 sessions/week. Group B (PEMF): received pulsed electromagnetic field for 12 sessions at a frequency of 3 sessions/week. Results: At the end of the study; there was non-significant difference between two groups post-study in pain level where P-values was (0.606). There were no significant differences between two groups in amplitude, distal latency and MNCV of RT side post-study, where P-values were (0.082), (0.911) and (0.342) respectively. There were no significant differences between two groups in amplitude, distal latency and MNCV of LT side post-study, where P-values were (0.265), (0.550) and (0.334) respectively. Conclusions: The study findings indicate that both LLLT andPEMF could be effective therapeutic modalities in the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy in that they are able to modify pain, and some electrophysiological parameters of peripheral nerve function.

A comparative study between transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in the management of post-herpetic neuralgia of the sciatic nerve

“…[42] One study showed that the combination of TENS with oral pregabalin reduced VAS scores, persistent pain intensity scores short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire total scores, and sleep interference, after 4 weeks. [23] The other RCT investigated the effect of TENS plus subcutaneous injection of cobalamin alone or with lidocaine. The results of this study showed improvement in pain intensity mean allodynia, paresthesia scores, and quality of life.…”

“…A-b afferents activity limits the transmission of information related to pain through the spinal cord and brainstem. [19] Previous studies proved the role of TENS for the treatment of PHN, [23][24][25] although there are numerous studies investigated the effect of PEMFS on different painful conditions, [11,[13][14][15][16][17] Due to the shortage of research to investigate the effect of PEMFS on PHN, specifically, according to PubMed database and Google scholar search, English language only, the current study is a novel randomized controlled trial -to the best knowledge of the authors-to investigate the effect of PEMFS on PHN in comparison to the pre-investigated TENS application.…”

“…The generated pulsed magnetic field up to 100 Hz, intensity varied according to the type of solenoid and region to be applied on, for 20 minutes once daily. [21][22][23][24]…”