Effect of 12 weeks aerobic and combined trainings on neural conduction in type 2 diabetes men with peripheral neuropathy

Background: Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic disorders that are rapidly expanding worldwide . The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks aerobic and combined training on neural conduction in type 2 diabetes men with peripheral neuropathy.

Methods: twenty-two male with type 2 diabetes were randomly divided into two groups of aerobic (11) and combined (11). Intensity of aerobic exercise was 70 to 75 percent of maximum heart rate for 25 to 45 minutes and combined training consists of both aerobic and resistance training, three times a week for 12 weeks. Before and after intervention, nerve conduction measurements and blood samples were done. The collected data were analyzed using independent-T test and paired samples-T test.

Results: In both groups sural, peroneal and tibial nerve conduction velocity (NCV), and sural and peroneal nerve action potential amplitude significantly increased (P<0.05), However tibial motor nerve action potential amplitude was significantly increased only in combined group (P<0.05). In addition, there was significantly differences between two groups in variation range of peroneal and tibial motor nerve action potential amplitude (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Both aerobic and combined training in control of diabetes are effectiveness, but it seems NCV and nerve action potential amplitude improves in combined training more than aerobic training.