Efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic field on pain and nerve conduction velocity in patients with diabetic neuropathy

Abstract

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common and disabling complication of diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on diabetic peripheral neuropathy. A total of 30 patients with diabetic neuropathy from both sexes were selected from the Outpatient Clinic of Diabetes Mellitus, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, with age ranging from 40 to 50 years. They were divided into two equal groups: PEMF group (group A) and control group (group B). Group A received PEMF with frequency of 50Hz and intensity of 20 G in addition to traditional physical therapy program. Group B received traditional physical therapy program only. The treatment program was conducted three times per week for 4 weeks. Measurements of pain intensity by visual analog scale and peroneal nerve conduction velocity by computerized electromyography device were done before and after treatment. Results revealed that there was a significant reduction of pain intensity and significant improvement of peroneal nerve conduction velocity (m/s) in both groups (P<0.05), with slightly in favor of group A. It could be concluded that PEMF combined with traditional physical therapy program has a positive effect on diabetic neuropathy symptoms.