Online ISSN: 2515-8260

DOES THE ADDITION OF PULSED ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD THERAPY TO THERAPEUTIC EXERCISES IN PHYSIOTHERAPY MANAGEMENT IMPROVE BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS IN INDIVIDUALS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE 2? A STUDY PROTOCOL FOR A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL

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Dr. Tushar Palekar Ph. D., Dr. Nigel Gonsalves (PT)

Abstract

Background: Exercise Therapy is widely used in the physiotherapy management in Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (DM2) as it helps in normalizing blood glucose levels. Additionally, advanced electrotherapy modalities are also used in the management of DM2 as it helps in normalizing blood glucose levels. Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) is an advanced novel electrotherapy modality used widely by physiotherapists. However, very little is known of the effectiveness of PEMF therapy on blood glucose levels in individuals with DM2 in a Diabetic Rehabilitation protocol. The aim of this trial is to study the effect of PEMF therapy on blood glucose levels in individuals with DM2. Methods: This protocol describes a double – blinded randomised controlled trial, where 107 participants with DM2 referred for out-patient diabetic rehabilitation will be recruited who are on normal glucose lowering medications. Participants will be randomised using the ‘coin toss’ method into two groups: Experimental Group – PEMF combined with Therapeutic Exercises and Control Group – Therapeutic Exercises alone. Participants will come to the out-patient Physiotherapy Department daily for 12 weeks except on Sundays for about 72 physiotherapy sessions. The Primary outcome measures are Fasting Blood Glucose (mmol/L), HbA1c (%) and Mean Plasma Glucose (MPG) Estimate levels. The outcome measures will be recorded at baseline (admission to diabetic rehabilitation) and then at 4 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks post admission to diabetic rehabilitation. Discussion: The findings of this study will determine whether the addition of PEMF therapy to therapeutic exercises will have an effect on blood glucose levels in individuals with DM2. This will then determine whether PEMF therapy should be included as adjunct and / or alternative in the management of DM2 along with therapeutic exercises. Trial Registration: The trial protocol was registered prospectively with Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2020/06/025584) on 3rd June, 2020.

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