Application of ischemic preconditioning in the rehabilitation of miners suffered from the vibration disease

Abstract

Introduction. Vibration disease is characterized by the early development of sensory polyneuropathy. Sensitive disorders significantly worsen the quality of life and increase the duration of the unemployable period of miners, which requires the search for new modern methods of correction and rehabilitation. Ischemic preconditioning is a promising direction in the treatment of occupationally caused polyneuropathies. However, its potential neuroprotective effect has not been sufficiently studied. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of ischemic preconditioning of the upper extremities for the correction of sensory polyneuropathy manifestations in miners with vibration disease. Material and methods. Seventy-eight persons with a proven diagnosis of vibration disease were examined. According to a specially elaborated technique, the ischemic preconditioning of the upper extremities was performed in 46 patients who were included in the leading group; 32 patients made up the control group. The clinical and electroneuromyographic examination was carried out before the ischemic preconditioning procedure and on the 5th day of the study. Results. The initial clinical and neurophysiological indices in both groups did not differ statistically significant and indicated sensory polyneuropathy. After ischemic preconditioning, the subjects of the leading group showed an improvement in clinical and functional indices (reduction of numbness and paresthesia, improvement of vibration sensitivity, an increase in the sensory conduction velocity of impulse and the amplitudes of sensory responses) of the peripheral nerves of the upper extremities. In contrast, in the control group, there was no statistically significant change in objective indices. Conclusion. Ischemic preconditioning of the upper extremities is effective in the rehabilitation of miners with vibration disease, helps to reduce the manifestations of sensory polyneuropathy, sensitive disorders and normalize neurophysiological indices.