Effects of aerobic exercise on vibration perception threshold in type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy population using 3-sites method: Single-blind randomized controlled trial

Objectives • The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 8 wk of moderate intensity aerobic exercise on vibration perception threshold (VPT) in type 2 diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Methods • Single blind parallel group randomized controlled trial was done in a tertiary center. Stratified block randomization was used for selecting participants. A total of 87 individuals participated in the study. After final randomization, there were only 47 individuals in the control group and 37 in the study group. The exercise group training was carried out in the range of 40% to 60% of heart rate reserve as an adjunct to this rating of perceived exertion (scale ranging from 6 to 20) before, during, and postexercise. For the control group, standard medical care, education for foot care, and diet (same as the experimental group) were given. Both the groups were assessed at baseline and wk 8. Results • On comparison of results for control and study group using repeated measures of analysis of variance for VPT measures for 3 sites (great toe, medial malleoli, first metatarsal phalanx), there was a significant difference between the 2 groups (df₁, df₂ = 1,63; F = 8.56; P < .001) for both lower limbs. Conclusions Aerobic exercises have an augmentative effect on vibratory sensations of the peripheral nerves, which implicates an attenuating effect on DPN in type 2 diabetes.