Low-level laser therapy in the management of diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy Suganthirababu Prathap1, Sowjanya B.V. Sai2, Prathap Lavanya3, Kumaresan A4, Jannu Chiranjeevi5,*, Chandupatla Vahini devi6 1Assistant Professor- Physiotherapy, College of Health Sciences, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates 2Graduate Student, Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India 3Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UAE 4Assistant Professor, Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India 5Physiotherapy Research Scholar, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India 6Associate Professor, Vaagdevi College of Physiotherapy, Warangal, Telangana, India *Corresponding Author: Chiranjeevi Jannu Associate Professor, Vaagdevi College of Physiotherapy, Kishanpura, besides police headquarters Hanamkonda, Warangal, Telangana, 506001 +919000500563, Email: jash.jannu@gmail.com
Online published on 9 January, 2019. Abstract Background & Objective Diabetes Mellitus is one of the most common progressive and disabling diseases. Population affected with Diabetes may experience numbness or insensitivity to pain and temperature, a tingling, burning or prickling sensation, sharp pains or cramps, extreme sensitivity to even a light touch, loss of balance and coordination. Low-Level laser therapy (LLLT) has been advocated for the treatment of chronic pain disorders. This therapy has been suggested for relief of symptoms of pain, inflammation and utilized in wound healing & nerve regeneration. With this evidence Laser has been advocated in this study. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy for relieving the symptoms of Diabetic Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy. Methodology This randomized controlled trial was conducted in a private Medical College Hospital, Chennai. The materials required for conducting the study includes Tuning Fork, Reflex Hammer, 10gm Semmes Weinstein monofilaments, Goggles and a Ga As LASER unit. The study was conducted among 40 subjects satisfying selection criteria in the age group of 40–60 years and was randomly assigned in to control(Group-A) or experimental group(Group-B) and was assessed for degree of neuropathy and pain using Toronto clinical neuropathy score and Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) respectively. Participants in the respective groups are treated for five weeks with 4 joules for 4 days in a week. Results Within-group analyses showed a significant difference in both outcome measures with p <0.05. The pre-test mean in Group-A was 9.80 and post-test mean value of Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score is 8.25 and in the Group-B the pretest mean was 10.10 and post-test mean was 6.30 this shows that Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score in group B were comparatively significantly less than group A, P<0.05. The Post Test mean value of Numerical Pain Rating Scale in group A is 5.15 and in the group, B is 3.90 compared to their pre-test values of 6.25(Group-A) and 6.30(Group-B) respectively. The Numerical Pain Rating Scale analysis in Group B were comparatively significant than Group A, which indicates a significant difference between groups with p <0.05. Conclusion This study concludes that Low-Level Laser Therapy is more effective in patients with Diabetic sensorimotor Polyneuropathy in reducing Pain and relieving symptoms. Top Keywords Diabetic Sensorimotor Polyneuropathy, Low-Level Laser Therapy. Top |