Effect of Nerve Flossing on Nerve Conduction Velocity and Pain in Patients with Diabetic Neuropathy: an Experimental Study

Background: Diabetic neuropathy is defined as a "chronic, symmetrical length-dependent sensorimotor polyneuropathy" characterized by pain, dysesthesias, motor dysfunctions, and decreased quality of life. Objective: To determine the effect of Nerve Flossing Technique (NFT) in diabetic neuropathy for improving nerve conduction velocity and pain. Method: 25 subjects with Diabetic neuropathy were allocated based on the criteria of the study. The outcome measure used was Sensory Nerve Conduction Velocity (SNCV) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Subjects were treated with Nerve Flossing Technique only. The technique was performed five times a week for a total treatment period of three weeks. Results: The results demonstrated significant improvement in nerve conduction velocity and pain for subjects (p < .001) at the end of three weeks. Conclusion: The study shows that NFT is efficient in the rehabilitation of diabetic neuropathy patients re-flecting the improvement of nerve conduction velocity by reducing pain of patients in their aspects. Thus, Nerve Flossing Technique can be used in clinical practices for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.