Effect of neuromuscular taping and transcutaneous electrical stimulation on neuromusculoskeletal impairments in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A case-series

Abstract

IntroductionApproximately 60–70% of individuals with diabetes experience varying degrees of damage to their nervous system, resulting in a condition known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). DPN usually involves distal body parts and is characterised as distal symmetrical sensorimotor neuropathy which is progressive in nature and follows a "glove and stocking pattern". It has significantly contributed to neuropathic pain, decreased nerve conduction velocity (NCV), impaired proprioception, compromised balance, and postural instability. Objective of the studyThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Neuromuscular Taping (NMT) in enhancing balance, proprioception, pain relief, and nerve conduction parameters in patients with DPN. Methods and MaterialsFive patients received an 8-week physiotherapy intervention that included both neuromuscular taping and transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS). Neuromuscular taping was applied to the bilateral tibialis anterior muscle, tibialis posterior muscle, peroneus longus muscle, and the transverse arch of the foot. TENS was administered along the distribution of the tibial and peroneal nerves with the following parameters: 80 Hz frequency, 50 Amp intensity, 0.2 ms square pulses, at 2 to 3 times the sensory threshold, on alternate days for a period of 3 weeks, with each session lasting 20 minutes. ResultsRemarkably, all patients exhibited improvements in their Berg Balance Scale scores, Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Signs and Symptoms, proprioception, as well as nerve conduction parameters of the bilateral tibial, peroneal, and sural nerves and latency of H-reflex. ConclusionNMT was found to be an effective method to treat symptoms associated with DPN.