Mechanisms of exercise for diabetic neuropathic pain

Abstract

Diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) is a common disease that affects the daily lives of diabetic patients, and its incidence rate is very high worldwide. At present, drug and exercise therapies are common treatments for DNP. Drug therapy has various side effects. In recent years, exercise therapy has received frequent research and increasing attention by many researchers. Currently, the treatment of DNP is generally symptomatic. We can better select the appropriate exercise prescription for DNP only by clarifying the exercise mechanism for its therapy. The unique pathological mechanism of DNP is still unclear and may be related to the pathological mechanism of diabetic neuropathy. In this study, the mechanisms of exercise therapy for DNP were reviewed to understand better the role of exercise therapy in treating DNP.

Diabetic Neuropathic Pain: Directions for Exploring Treatments

“…Exercise has also been found to be possibly beneficial in relieving DNP [ 65 ]. In addition to conventional drug therapy, exercise therapy with less significant side effects has also been introduced by scientists.…”

Diabetes-induced peripheral neuropathy: Is prescribing physical exercise the answer?

“…For example, exercise counseling and dietary control in those with impaired glucose tolerance led to the recovery in small nerve fiber function [42]. Additionally, despite the complex relationship between exercise and pain in DPN, several studies suggest that appropriate exercise regimens can help manage neuropathic pain [40][41][42][43]. This may be attributed to the release of endorphins, improved circulation, and enhanced neurotrophic support [40][41][42][43].…”

“…Additionally, despite the complex relationship between exercise and pain in DPN, several studies suggest that appropriate exercise regimens can help manage neuropathic pain [40][41][42][43]. This may be attributed to the release of endorphins, improved circulation, and enhanced neurotrophic support [40][41][42][43]. Exercise-induced suppression of pro-inflammatory responses, a reversal in the deficit of NO synthesis/endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) expression, and modulation of voltage-gated calcium channels to affect opioidergic tone in nerves also likely contribute to overcoming peripheral nerve dysfunction and reducing pain [43].…”

“…This may be attributed to the release of endorphins, improved circulation, and enhanced neurotrophic support [40][41][42][43]. Exercise-induced suppression of pro-inflammatory responses, a reversal in the deficit of NO synthesis/endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) expression, and modulation of voltage-gated calcium channels to affect opioidergic tone in nerves also likely contribute to overcoming peripheral nerve dysfunction and reducing pain [43]. Moreover, as peripheral neuropathy can affect balance and coordination, leading to an increased risk of falls and injuries, exercise programs that include balance and proprioception training, such as Tai Chi, can be beneficial in reducing the risk of falls and improving overall functional capacity [44].…”