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

Bulletin of Faculty of Physical Therapy volume 22, pages 9–14 (2017)Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common and disabling complication of diabetes mellitus.

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Settings and design

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).

Materials and methods

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

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.

Conclusion

It could be concluded that PEMF combined with traditional physical therapy program has a positive effect on diabetic neuropathy symptoms.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Physical Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt

    Kadrya Battecha Doctoral degree (Assistant Professor)

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  1. Kadrya Battecha Doctoral degree
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Correspondence to Kadrya Battecha Doctoral degree.

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Battecha, K. Efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic field on pain and nerve conduction velocity in patients with diabetic neuropathy. Bull Fac Phys Ther 22, 9–14 (2017). https://doi.org/10.4103/1110-6611.209877

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