Effect of Monochromatic Infrared Energy Light Versus Laser Therapy in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Abstract

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is known to be a severe longterm sequelae of diabetes mellitus (DM) and correlated with high morbidity and mortality. There's no widely agreed optimal method for its treatment. Monochromatic Infrared Photo Energy (MIRE) and Low Level Laser Therapy) LLLT) are relatively new modalities of light used to boost the velocity of nerve conduction (NCV), minimize pain and increase peripheral circulation. Purpose: The objective of this study was to compare the effect MIRE versus LLLT in DPN on NCV, pain, and daily living function (ADL) activity. Material and Methods: Thirty patients with DPN, type 2 diabetes (T2DM) with neuropathic pain, particularly in the lower limbs, were recruited at (56.29 ±2.98) years of age. Any of the patients had 10 to 15 years of DM. They were split into two groups: Group A (15 patients) had MIRE applied to each limb for 40 minutes. Group B (15 patients) had LLLT applied to each limb for 20 minutes. All patients were subjected to various physical assessment tests, including a questionnaire on NCV, pain and quality of life (QOL), both assessed before and after treatment. Results: Significant changes in NCV, pain and functional ADL (p<005) have been reported in each community following treatment. However, there were no significant differences between the 2 posttreatment groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: MIRE and LLLT are both effective in improving deep peroneal nerve neuronal activity, decreasing pain and improving activity of daily living (ADL) in DPN.

Comparison of Tecar Therapy and Low-Level Laser Therapy Separately and Simultaneously on Clinical Symptoms and Health-Related Quality of Life in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: A 3-Month Follow-up Study

“…Chatterjee et al, investigating the effect of 12 sessions of deep tissue laser therapy on painful neuropathy in individuals with type 2 diabetes, reported improvements in function, walking speed, and health-related quality of life (27). Similarly, Sahier et al reported an enhancement in health-related quality of life in individuals with DPN after 12 sessions of LLLT use (36). It's worth noting that neither of these previous studies included a follow-up period after the sessions.…”