Effects of Fitness Qigong and Tai Chi Exercise Intervention in a Telemedicine Model on diabetic peripheral neuropathy (Preprint)

Le résumé fourni par la source

BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus has become a rapidly increasing global health problem with vast international influence. Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN), a common complication of diabetes, is caused by damage to the peripheral nerves due to prolonged hyperglycemia. OBJECTIVE This single-blind randomized controlled trial aimed to analyze the physical benefits of Qigong and Tai Chi in patients with DPN. The primary objective was to evaluate the impact of a 12-week Tai Chi and qigong intervention on symptoms and sleep quality in DPN, while also examining the key physiological states of the patients that influenced the treatment outcome. METHODS The study was a randomized controlled trial in which participants were randomized (1:1:1) to receive usual care, fitness Qigong, or Tai Chi exercise. All participants were assessed at two points (baseline and 12 weeks). The usual care includes traditional diabetes education. Education for this population included a proper diet, monitoring of blood glucose levels, and prevention of complications. The Fitness Qigong and Tai Chi exercise group populations were each guided by professors and professionals who provided exercise instruction via live video streaming. They practiced Fitness Qigong or Tai Chi three times a week for 30 minutes. The primary outcome indicator was patient reported neuropathic pain (Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questions, DN4; 0–10 points scale) at 12 weeks after the intervention. Secondary outcomes included changes in NRS, PSQI, motor nerve conduction index, blood glucose, HRQoL (EuroQol 5-Dimensional 5-Level questionnaire, EQ-5D-5L), and biochemical indices. RESULTS After treatment, there was a significant difference from baseline in DN4 in both the fitness qigong exercise group (adjusted difference -1.12, 95% CI -1.89 to 0.63; P = 0.012) and the Tai Chi exercise group (adjusted difference -1.32, 95% CI -2.04 to 0.41; P = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, this study suggests that interventions involving fitness qigong and Tai Chi, offered to patients through a telemedicine model, may improve the outcome of lower extremity pain in DPN. Tai Chi had a slight advantage over the fitness qigong group in improving sleep quality. CLINICALTRIAL The study was registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Register, ChiCTR2200057863(19/03/2022).

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.