Effectiveness of monochromatic infrared photo energy [MIRE] in improving balance of diabetic peripheral neuropathy

ABSTRACT

Patients with long standing diabetic peripheral Neuropathy suffers marked affection of lower limb proprioception and often develop balance problems that can significantly increase fall risk. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the application of Monochromatic infrared photo energy [MIRE] to the lower extremities of patients with diabetic peripheral Neuropathy would improve balance and gait patterns. The study conducted on 40 diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy divided equally into two groups [20 patients each]. Group I received exercise program only, Group II received in addition to exercise program 30 minutes Monochromatic Infrared Photo Energy [MIRE] three times a week for one month. Tandem walk [TW] test was used to assess mean step width, speed and end sway pre and post therapy in both groups of patients. Both groups were selected to have identical clinical characteristics, mean of age, duration of both diabetes and peripheral Neuropathy, Blood sugar control. Highly statistical significant difference [p<0.0001] between the two groups regarding speed post therapy implicating the beneficial effect of Monochromatic infrared photo energy [MIRE] on balance parameters. As deducted from the observed data as well as from the reviewed literature we could recommend that the application of 12 photo therapy sessions induced improvement in balance and consequently decrease the incidence of falls in diabetic peripheral neuropathy