title: The effect of sensory nerve stimulation on sensory nerve function in people with peripheral neuropathy associated with diabetes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the effect of sensory nerve stimulation in older people with peripheral neuropathy associated with diabetes (DPN).
  
  
  METHODS
  A randomized, placebo controlled, double blind trial was used to assess the effect of 12 weeks of low frequency sensory nerve stimulation (LF-SNS) in the lower limb [International Patent Application No. PCT/AU2004/001079: 'nerve function and tissue healing' (Z. Khalil)]. Response to capsaicin, basal microvascular blood flow, electric cutaneous threshold and oxygen tension were assessed pre- and post-treatment and between limbs.
  
  
  METHODS
  People 55 years of age or older diagnosed with DPN: 35 active and 31 placebo participants.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Between groups comparisons: no significant differences occurred between stimulation groups. Within subject comparisons: in the active LF-SNS group, comparing stimulated to contralateral legs, there were significant increases in size of capsaicin flare [t(1,33)=3.65, p<0.05] and capillary blood flow [t(1,34)=-0.33, p<0.05]. There was a trend to improvement in time to initial flare response [t(1,34)=-1.86, p=0.07]. No changes were evident in the placebo group. RESPONDER ANALYSES: In a group of 'responders', the time to initial flare response (p<0.05, r=0.64), size of capsaicin flare (p<0.05 r=1.0) and microvascular blood flow (p<0.05, r=0.60) improved significantly after LF-SNS.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The observed data suggest that LF-SNS improves nerve function in a subset of people with DPN. Targeting toward probably 'responders' may deliver the greatest benefit from short-term therapy. Testing optimal application in others seems warranted.
authors.affiliation: University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE. zkhalil@sharjah.ac.ae
authors.forename: Zeinab
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Khalil
authors.forename: Rajna
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ogrin
authors.forename: Peteris J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Darzins
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002196:Capillaries; D002211:Capsaicin; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D020078:Neurogenic Inflammation / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D009475:Neurons, Afferent; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000187:drug effects; D017288:Pain Threshold / Q000187:drug effects; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010919:Placebos; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D012684:Sensory Thresholds; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply / Q000294:innervation; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D010919:Placebos; D002211:Capsaicin