Skin Stretch Sensory Stimuli and TENS in Diabetic Neuropathy

Skin stretch sensory stimuli will be exerted by a piece of kinesio tape that as applied above right and left lateral malleolus on posterior leg and on both side of spinous process of second thoracic vertebrae till 15cm below for 24 hours a day, 5 days/ week for 6 weeks along with conventional physiotherapy.

TENS will be applied to patient while in sitting position for 30 minutes, twice a week, and for 6 weeks (12 treatment sessions along with conventional physiotherapy). A maximum of 25 m amp electrical stimulation with a biphasic square-wave pattern and a pulse width of 0.5ms in a continuous duty cycle will be used. The intensity of the electrical stimulation will be regulated to the high tolerable level without initiating muscle contractions.

This program include balance exercises performed twice a week for 6 weeks, which consists of balance, progressive strength, and functional mobility training. Static exercise consists of heel and toe raises, one-legged stance for each limb, weight shifting forward, backward, sideward and diagonally, and turning the head to the left and then to the right keeping the feet together. This exercise comprises two 10-min sessions each, with eyes opened and eyes closed, respectively. Dynamic exercise comprises of walking, step-ups, and bipedal jumps for 10 min. Progressive balance exercises comprises of narrow walking, walking backward, walking sideward, stepping over obstacles, passing, throwing and catching a ball.