Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy for Cardiopulmonary and Disorders

Aim: This study aimed to compare between the efficacy of TENS and LLLT on hyposalivation in T2DM patients. Methods: The study was conducted on 75 T2DM patients with hyposalivation from both genders (46 females and 29 males) with a whole resting salivary flow rate {u2264} 0.16 ml/minute. Their ages ranged from 40-55 years old and patients were recruited from the internal medicine outpatient clinic, Suez Canal University Hospital. Patients were assigned randomly and equally into 3 groups; group A (study group) patients received extraoral TENS sessions 2 times/week for 6 weeks with 50 Hz frequency, group B (study group) patients received punctually LLLT 2 times/week for 6 weeks with 905 nm wavelength, and group C (control group) patients did not receive any physical therapy modality. Pre, post {u2160} (after 3 weeks) , and post {u2161} (after 6 weeks) whole resting saliva flow rates (SFR) - using low forced spitting method- and eight-item visual analogue scale xerostomia questionnaire (8-item VAS-XQ) were measured. Results: Results revealed that, in group A, application of TENS resulted in a highly significant improvement in salivary flow rate and 8-item VAS-XQ (P < 0.01). In group B, results revealed that the LLLT resulted in a highly significant improvement in SFR and 8-item VAS-XQ (P < 0.01). Results revealed that there was no significant difference in SFR between groups A and B at the post I and post II. However, there was a significant increase in group A compared with group C. There was also a significant increase in B compared with group C. Conclusion: TENS and LLLT are effective in management of hyposalivation in T2DM

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