Effects of 12-weeks combined trainings with vitamin D supplement on the sensory-motor neuropathy in women with type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Background: Peripheral neuropathy is a common complaint of diabetes. This complication is created because of the many consequences of disability among patients, as a debilitating disease known. The purpose of this study was investigating the effects of 12-weeks combined training with vitamin D supplement on improvement of sensory-motor neuropathy in women with type 2 diabetes. Methods: This clinical trial study was conducted in Isfahan province, Iran, during 2013-2014. 90 patients were selected and randomly divided in two groups. 9 patients (included 5 intervention, and 4 control patients) were excluded and finally 81 adult females with type 2 diabetes aged 20-55 years were entered to the study. The control group had no training but, received vitamin D. The experimental group, received vitamin D and 12-weeks training program (3 days a week, 60 minutes per session) including aerobic exercises, strength and flexibility. Aerobic exercise intensity was set at 60-70% of maximum heart rate and resistance training intensity was determined by 50 percent of 10 RM (Rep Max). The intensity of neuropathy was measured using Michigan neuropathy screening instrument (MNSI); reflex hammer and tuning fork 128 Hz were used for pre- and post-test. Findings: Followed three months of combined trainings and supplementation with vitamin D, significant reductions in numbness (P = 0.001), pain (P = 0.002), tingling (P = 0.001) and weakness (P = 0.002) in the lower limb was seen. In addition, increases in the sense of touch intervention (P = 0.005), detecting the position of the fingers (P = 0.001) and vibration perception (P = 0.001) in the tissues after the training was noted. Knee reflexes (P = 0.770) and ankles (P = 0.470) did not significantly change after the interventions. Conclusion: It seems that participation in combined trainings and supplementation with vitamin D can decrease the symptoms of sensory-motor neuropathy. © 2015, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.