Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of combination therapy of backward walking
training and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) treatment on the distribution of plantar
pressure in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). DESIGN: This study is a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial. The test group was
treated with combination therapy of backward walking exercise and ALA (ALA for
2wk, backward walking exercise for 12wk), and the control group only received ALA
treatment. SETTING: Clinical and laboratory setting. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with
DPN (N=60) were divided into the test group (n=30) or control group (n=30).
INTERVENTIONS: Backward walking exercise with ALA treatment for the test group;
lipoic acid treatment for the control group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Plantar
pressure before and after treatment was tested and analyzed with the flatbed
plantar pressure measurement system. RESULTS: After treatment, peak plantar
pressure in the forefoot dropped for both the test and control groups; peak
plantar pressure for the test group dropped significantly. Peak plantar pressure
in the medial foot slightly increased for the test group, suggesting a more even
distribution of plantar pressure in the test group after treatment. CONCLUSIONS:
The combination therapy of ALA and backward walking proved to be more effective
than ALA monotherapy. Backward walking also proved to have an ameliorating effect
on balance ability and muscle strength of patients with DPN.
CI - Copyright (c) 2014 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS