Article

OBJECTIVE: To review different types of electrotherapy for the treatment of
painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy. METHODS:
A structured search of the
electronic database MEDLINE was performed from the time of its initiation to July
2009. Articles in English and German were selected. RESULTS: The efficacy of
different types of electrotherapy for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy has
been evaluated in 15 studies; the effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve
stimulation are consistent.
The beneficial effects of prolonged use have been
reported in three large studies and one small study.
The effects of
frequency-modulated electromagnetic neural stimulation were assessed in one large
study, and a significant reduction in pain was reported.
Treatment with pulsed
and static electromagnetic fields has been investigated in two small and three
large studies, and analgesic benefits have been reported. In one large study
focusing on pulsed electromagnetic fields, no beneficial effect on pain was
registered. Only small studies were found concerning other types of
electrotherapy, such as pulsed-dose electrical stimulation, high-frequency
external muscle stimulation or high-tone external muscle stimulation. The
conclusions drawn in these articles are diverse. Shortcomings and problems,
including a poor study design, were observed in some. CONCLUSION: Further
randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies comprising larger sample
sizes, a longer duration of treatment, and longer follow-up assessments are required.

Langue : ANGLAIS