Effectiveness of graded motor imagery on quality of life, intensity of pain, and catastrophisation of pain in painful diabetic neuropathy: a pilot study

Introduction ainful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) occurs as a complication in 88% of all patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Effects of graded motor imagery (GMI) have been explored in various conditions, but no studies have evaluated the effects of GMI on PDN. As a result, it is critical to carry out the current study to establish the effect of GMI to target the psychological factors in PDN, including quality of life (QoL) and intensity of pain. Methods The experimental group received GMI, which includes lateralisation, movement imagination, and mirror therapy for 8 weeks. Participants of all sex aged between 18–75 years diagnosed with both types of diabetes having pain in the lower limbs were screened for PDN using the DN-4 Questionnaire. Outcome measures included the Rand SF-36 for QoL, visual analogue scale for intensity of pain, and Catastrophization of Pain Scale for catastrophisation of pain were recorded at baseline and the 8th week and 12th week of treatment. Results On pre-post test results, VAS and PCS showed statistically significant improvements with p-values of 0.0012 and 0.0001, respectively. Physical function, energy/fatigue, and health changes showed statistically significant improvement along with pain and general health with p-values of 0.0001 and 0.0003, respectively, on the SF-36 (RAND). Conclusions Eight weeks of GMI improved the intensity of pain, catastrophisation of pain, and QoL in PD.