Effects of High-Rate Frequency Modulation Treatment on Malondialdehyde in Diabetic Polyneuropathy

Abstract

This study is planned to investigate the effects of transcutaneous

electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) treatment on patients which have

diabetic polyneuropathy. Fourteen diabetic polyneuropathy patients suffering

ischemic pain were examined during the cure. Malondialdehyde (MDA)

and glycemia levels were determined by collecting 5 mL blood samples

from 14 patients 24 h before beginning the treatment. In case 50 Hz

signals as high-rate frequency modulation (HRFM; continuous pulses

changed from 90 Hz to 55 Hz over 90 msec, 1.3 times a second), were

applied to patients as long as 20 d for 20 min a day. Transcutaneous

electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) treatment increased significantly

free oxygen radicals (p < 0.05). The levels of MDA before TENS were

compared to the levels of MDA after TENS and the end of the following

term of 20 days by paired sample test and a meaningful increase was

seen significantly (p < 0.01). Besides, glycemia levels were decreased

significantly before TENS-after TENS treatment (p < 0.01) and not

changed before TENS and the end of the following term of 20 d (p > 0.05).

Moreover, it was observed that MDA levels were decreased significantly

between in the final of the treatment and the end of the following

term of 20 d (p < 0.01). Glycemia levels were not changed significantly

after TENS and the end of the following term of 20 d (p > 0.05). According

to this results, it is observed that TENS treatment has been positive

effect on polyneuropathy.