Effect of Kinesitherapy on Quality of Life in Patients with Diabetic Polyneuropathy

Objective: To evaluate the effect of kinesitherapeutic methods developed by us on quality of life in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy (DP). Materials and methods: 124 patients with DP were investigated divided into two groups. The experimental group included 90 patients (52 men and 38 women, mean age 58.5 +/- 8.7) and the control group included 34 patients (16 men and 18 women, mean age 58.8 +/- 7.5). Quality of life evaluation was done four times (prior the treatment, at day 10, at week 6 and in 6 month later) using 36-scored scale. All patients underwent 10-day-clinical treatment and kinesitherapy (KT). The 6-month kinesitherapeutic methods developed by us were applied to the experimental group and the control patients' group underwent the standard 10-days KT only during their hospital stay. Results: Prior to the treatment both patients' group had a worse quality of life compared to the admitted ranges for the followed-up 8 medical directions. After application of KT in the experimental group a significant improvement was observed in all aspects within the whole period of follow-up and this was expressed to its maximum at week 6th from the start. The standard kinesitherapeutic methods, applied to the control group, had a positive temporary effect which was significant only regarding some of the aspects followed (pain and general health). Discussion: Kinesitherapeutic methods developed by us, continued at home as an exercise-program, exert a positive continuous effect on quality of life in patients with DP.