Effect of Aerobic Training on Neural Conduction in Type 2 Diabetes and Peripheral Neuropathy

Diabetes is one of the main causes of neuropathy. No definite treatment for this complication has been established yet. Although it is established that diabetics can benefit from metabolic and cardiovascular effects of exercise, very few studies have investigated the role of regular exercise on diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Therefore, the present study was designed to examine the effect of 12 weeks aerobic training on neural conduction in men with type-2 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy. METHODS: Twenty-four diabetic male subjects diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy were randomly assigned into two groups (12 subjects each): 1- exercise (43±6.4 yrs, 86.5±15.3 kg) and 2- control (42±4.6 yrs, 89.3±11.9 kg). Aerobic training program consisted of 20 to 45 minutes walking or running at 50% to 70% of heart rate reserve, RPE<15, three sessions per week for 12 weeks. Before and 48h after the experimental period, nerve conduction studies (NCS) were performed and blood samples were taken to be analyzed for HbA1c, fasting and 2h postprandial glucose concentration. The data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and paired t-test and significant level was set at P<0.05. Covariates included baseline value, age and duration of diabetes. RESULTS: NCS analysis showed significant increase in sural sensory and peroneal motor nerves conduction velocity (NCV) in exercise group (P<0.05). We also observed significant time by group interaction regarding sural NCV (P0.05). Moreover, HbA1c, fasting and 2h postprandial glucose levels decreased in exercise group with significant time by group interaction observed for Hb1Ac (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Based on the findings of the present study, it could be concluded that 12 weeks aerobic training could have favourable effects on peripheral nerves function in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Aerobic training may have the potential to hinder DPN development but given the short duration of the present study and very few evidence in this regard, findings need to be validated in future studies.