Effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions on motor impairments In diabetic neuropathy - A Literature Review

Abstract

Diabetic Neuropathy is one of the major complications of diabetes mellitus which mainly affects lower limbs in patients with diabetes. Around 450 million people worldwide are suffering with this disease and number may rise to 628 million people by 2045. It is the dysfunction and damage in peripheral nerves in people with diabetes. These neuropathies are characterized by a progressive loss of nerve fibre function. It is the common complication of diabetes mellitus which is estimated to affect upto 51% of patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. This review is intended to analyze the motor impairments in Diabetic Neuropathy and evaluate the efficacy of physiotherapy interventions. A review of literature study was done searching electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science. Research conducted from 2014 to 2024 that examines the motor impairments and physiotherapy treatments was incorporated. Studies examining prevalence, risk factors, physiotherapy treatment methods, and reviewed. Research focusing on pharmaceutical or surgical treatments was not included.  Research shows the motor impairments in Diabetic Neuropathy. The most frequently impacted areas were the lower limbs Physiotherapy treatments, such as Range of motion exercises(ROM), Muscle strengthening exercises, Endurance exercises, Exercises for improving Static and Dynamic balance postural adjustment exercises, had notably gained mobility improvement. Research indicates that integrating physiotherapy interventions yields optimal results in management of Diabetic Neuropathy.