Effect of Rood's approach In diabetic polyneuropathy

Abstract

Background: Diabetic neuropathy is the commonest complication of DM, affecting 47% patients with peripheral neuropathy. Rood’s Approach is a neurophysiological approach which is based on reflexes of central nervous system. Basic concept of Rood’s is that the motor patterns are developed from primitive reflexes through proper sensory stimuli to appropriate sensory receptors in normal sequential developmental pattern to improve motor performance. Objectives: The objectives of the study were as follows: 1. To find effect of rood’s approach in sensory abnormalities. 2. To find effect of rood’s approach in muscle weakness. Methods: Ethical clearance was obtained from the institutional ethical committee. A total of 23 diabetic neuropathy subjects were assessed and 20 were included in this study based on inclusion criteria, the individuals were allocated in one group: This group received Rood’s approach, depending upon patients’ condition either facilitatory or inhibitory techniques was given. Diabetic neuropathy was diagnosed using Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument Questionnaire and Pre- and post-test were done for assessing severity of diabetic neuropathy using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) and Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ) and the outcome measures were analysed after 3 months. Results: Within the group statistical analysis, Pre-Post VAS score was 6.43 ± 1.628 and was extremely significant, Pre-Post QST score was 1.900 ± 1.553 and result was extremely significant and Pre-Post WIQ score was 19.150 ± 2.978 was also significant. Conclusion: We found that facilitatory techniques of Rood’s Approach (Quick stretch and heavy joint compression) were effective in improving decreased sensations and improving motor performance in patients with painful diabetic polyneuropathy. We found that inhibitory techniques of Rood’s Approach (Maintained stretch and light joint compression) were effective in decreasing hypersensitivity in patients with painful diabetic polyneuropathy. We found significant improvement in pain measure (VAS), Sensory measure (Quantitative Sensory Testing) and Motor Performance Measure (Walking Impairment Questionnaire).