Abstract
Objective: To investigate electrophysiological effects of exercise on peripheral neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Methods: Thirty-five patients (21 women) with diabetic peripheral neuropathy were included with mean (SD) age of 56.9 (6.2) years. We performed electrophysiological studies, and after 8 weeks of exercise, reevaluated the participants.
Results: Sural sensory nerve (P < .001) and tibial compound muscle (P = .001) action potential increased, while F-wave (P = .024) and nerve conduction velocity (P = .001) decreased significantly. Conduction velocity for deep peroneal nerve showed a significant increase (P = .001).
Conclusion: Aerobic exercise improves electrophysiological features and should be considered in the therapy of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.