Exercise training can modify the natural history of diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is the most important cause of peripheral neuropathy (DPN). No definitive treatment for DPN has been established, and very few data on the role of exercise training on DPN have been reported. Aim of the study: We sought to examine the effects of long-term exercise training on the development of DPN in both Types 1 and 2 diabetic patients. Participants and methods: Seventy-eight diabetic patients without signs and symptoms of peripheral DPN were enrolled, randomized, and subdivided in two groups: 31 diabetic participants [15 f, 16 m; 49±15.5 years old; body mass index (BMI)=27.9±4.7], who performed a prescribed and supervised 4 h/week brisk walking on a treadmill at 50% to 85% of the heart rate reserve (exercise group: EXE), and a control group of 47 diabetic participants (CON; 24 f, 23 m; 52.9±13.4 years old; BMI=30.9±8.4). Vibration perception threshold (VPT), nerve distal latency (DL), nerve conduction velocity (NCV), and nerve action potential amplitude (NAPA) in the lower limbs were measured. Results: We found significant differences on Δ (delta) in NCV for both peroneal and sural motor nerve between the EXE and CON groups during the study period (P