Intermittent pneumatic compression therapy improves functional and dynamic balance and neuropathy severity in neuropathic patients with type 2 diabetes

Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes which increases risk of falling. Reduction in neural blood flow is one proposed theory for this etiology of diabetic neuropathy. Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) is a treatment method that increases nutritional supplies for the peripheral nervous system. The current study aims at evaluating the effects of IPC therapy on two aspects of balance dysfunction as one of the most important clinical signs of diabetic neuropathy. This study is a single-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial that involved 39 patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. In this analysis, patients aged 40–75 years (with a mean age of 58.82 years) were randomly divided into intervention (n = 20) and control groups (n = 19). In the first session, all tests of neuropathy severity (using Valk and Michigan diabetic neuropathy questionnaires) and stability (functional and dynamic balance) were performed for both groups. The subjects in intervention group underwent 10 sessions of IPC treatment. At last, balance and neuropathy examinations were carried out in the final session. P < 0.05 was chosen as statistical significance level. Implementation of IPC interventions for 10 sessions significantly decreased APSI and OSI of Biodex balance system in level 6 (P < 0.05). The subjects in intervention group showed significant increases in standing time with their eyes either open or closed by performing functional balance tests. Additionally, Valk and Michigan neuropathy screening scores significantly decreased after 10 sessions of IPC therapy. This study showed that IPC has a positive effect on diabetic neuropathy and balance.