Efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic field versus low level laser in diabetic neuropathy / Mohsen Ibrahim Taher Abuelsoad ; Supervised Mohamed Elgendy , Kadrya Hosny , Hesham Menesy

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Basic Science

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common and disabling complication of diabetes mellitus.. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare between the effects of Pulsed Electro Magnetic Field (PEMF) and Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) on diabetic neuropathy (DN). Subjects: Thirty diabetic neuropathic patients (13 Males - 17 Females) from both genders were selected from out clinic of Damietta specialized hospital with age ranging from (45-55years). They were following instructions. The study was carried out from Jan 2015 to May 2015. They were divided into 2 equal groups; PEMF group (A) and LLLT group (B). Procedure: Group A received PEMF with frequency 50 HZ and intensity 20 gauss. Group B received LLLT with frequency 2000 HZ and intensity 9 joules. For both groups treatment conducted for 4 weeks, 3Times per week, day after day. Measurement were taken before and after 4 week of the treatment. Measurement of pain carried out by visual analog scale and assessment of peroneal nerve conducting velocity (NCV) was done by Computerized Electromyography device. The study was approved by the ethical committee of the faculty of physical therapy. The results: Results revealed that, there was a significant reduction of pain and significant increase of peroneal NCV in both groups (A and B) (P<0.05). Comparison between post treatment values of NCV showed significant difference ( p-value= 0.027) with more improvement in group A. Conclusion: It could be concluded that, both PEMF and LLLT are effective in treatment of pain and NCV problems in diabetic peripheral neuropathy patients but PEMF was more effective

Issued also as CD