Effects of neurodynamic exercises on the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the upper limb: a case series

Introduction This study has been designed to find out the effectiveness of neurodynamic exercises in patients with diabetes mellitus having peripheral neuropathy in upper limb. Methods This was a case series. Total 40 patients were selected in this study who had diabetes mellitus type II with peripheral neuropathy pain. Consecutive sampling technique was used. Standard Neurodynamic sliders’ techniques were applied for Radial, Ulnar and Median nerves in appropriate position by qualified physical therapist for 10 sec with 2 sec rest and 10 repetitions. TENS (80 Hz and 150µ sec) was applied for 20 minutes. Neuropathic pain questionnaire DN 4 was used to collect the data. Pretest and posttest value were calculated using this questionnaire. Paired sample T test was used to compare the pretest and posttest values. Results There were 31 females and 8 males with peripheral neuropathy in this study. The mean age of the patients was 51.22 ± 6.712 years. The mean value of total pretest was 6.42 ± 1.152 and the mean of total posttest value was 3.68 ± 1.095. Conclusion Neurodynamic exercises were effective in managing diabetic peripheral neuropathy pain. Neurodynamics techniques for Peripheral Nerve can reduce the diabetes associated peripheral neuropathy symptoms in upper limb.