Comparison of Vibration Threshold of Upper Limb During Upper Limb Neurodynamic Test 1 in Individuals with and without Type II Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Patients withType II diabetes mellitus are showed to affect the sensory, reflex and motor systems in distal extremities. Studies have examined the mechanosensitivity and vibration threshold (VT) in type II diabetes mellitus patients in the lower limb and compared it with normal individuals. There is scanty literature available in comparison of the VTin the upper limb in type II diabetes mellitus patients with non-diabetic individuals. Methods: Thirty type II diabetic individuals (age - 55.60 ± 9.79 years)and 30 asymptomatic individuals (age - 53.43±9.96) without diabetes mellitus participated in the study. Tester at the baseline for both the groups using a bioesthesiometer measured VT. Bioesthesiometer is capable of deriving a vibration of 100 Hz. Following VTevaluation at the baseline, the tester performed the ULNT1 for all the subjects. During the sequence of the ULNT1, VTwas measured at initial onset of pain (termed as P1) and short of maximum pain (P2) as experienced by the patient. Results:There was a statistical significant difference inVTbetween diabetic and non-diabetic group subjects. VTwas raised in the diabetic group at all the three levelsof evaluation (baseline, P1 and P2) compared to the non-diabetic group with a p value < 0.001. Conclusion: VT of the upper limb is higher in individuals with type II diabetes mellitus as compared to non-diabetic individuals.