Whole body vibration therapy for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a pilot study.

Abstract

The unsatisfactory results associated with conventional treatments for symptoms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) demonstrate a need for research into alternative therapies. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of whole body vibration therapy (WBV) as a treatment for pain associated with DPN. Participants (n = 8) with painful DPN received three treatment sessions per week for four weeks. Each session consisted of four bouts of 3 min of vibration (frequency 25 Hz, amplitude 5 mm). The primary outcome measures were changes in the visual analog pain scale (VAS) and changes in the neuropathic pain scale (NPS). WBV demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) acute pain reduction in the VAS, and a significant chronic reduction in both the VAS and NPS scales. No side-effects were observed during this study. WBV appears to be an effective, non-invasive treatment for pain associated with DPN.

• Authors: Nathan J Kessler, Junggi Hong
• Journal: Journal of bodywork and movement therapies (J Bodyw Mov Ther) Vol. 17 Issue 4 Pg. 518-22 (Oct 2013) ISSN: 1532-9283 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 24139013 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Topics

• Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 (complications)
• Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 (complications)
• Diabetic Neuropathies (rehabilitation)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pain Management (methods)
• Pain Measurement
• Physical Therapy Modalities
• Pilot Projects
• Vibration (adverse effects, therapeutic use)