Moshera H Darwish, Mohamed S El-Tamawy, Saleh M Alhirsan, Mariam El-Anany, Heba A Khalifa
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background and purpose: Diabetic polyneuropathy is associated with poor cognitive performance in executive function, memory and reaction time. Patients had a 50% greater risk of developing dementia. Trans-auricular vagal nerve stimulation (ta-VNS) is a new, safe and promising instrument for enhancing cognitive performance. This study aimed to investigate the effect of trans-auricular vagal nerve stimulation (ta-VNS) on cognitive functions and its impact on quality of life (QOL) in diabetic polyneuropathy patients.
Methods: Forty individuals with type II diabetic polyneuropathy participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to two equal parallel groups: study group (GI) and control group (GII). The study group received active trans-auricular vagal nerve stimulation (ta-VNS) in addition to a computer-based cognitive rehabilitation (CBCR) program, while the control group received the same program with sham (ta-VNS). Both groups underwent intervention three times per week for 3 weeks. Cognitive functions (attention-concentration, and figural memory) and quality of life were assessed at baseline and after 3 weeks using the RehaCom system and the World Health Organization's Quality of Life Brief Questionnaire, respectively.
Results: Post-treatment, there was a significant increase in the level of attention-concentration, as well as a significant increase in the quality-of-life score. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in the mean time for attention-concentration, as well as in figural memory acquisition time for both groups, with more improvement in favor of the study group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the task performance and level of figural memory, along with a significant decrease in figural memory solution time only in the study group (p < 0.05).
Discussions: Adding trans-auricular vagal nerve stimulation (ta-VNS) to Computer-based cognitive rehabilitation (CBCR) program significantly enhancing cognitive functions and quality of life in diabetic polyneuropathy patients.
Trial registration: The study was registered at the ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06048653).
期刊介绍：
Physiotherapy Research International is an international peer reviewed journal dedicated to the exchange of knowledge that is directly relevant to specialist areas of physiotherapy theory, practice, and research. Our aim is to promote a high level of scholarship and build on the current evidence base to inform the advancement of the physiotherapy profession. We publish original research on a wide range of topics e.g. Primary research testing new physiotherapy treatments; methodological research; measurement and outcome research and qualitative research of interest to researchers, clinicians and educators. Further, we aim to publish high quality papers that represent the range of cultures and settings where physiotherapy services are delivered. We attract a wide readership from physiotherapists and others working in diverse clinical and academic settings. We aim to promote an international debate amongst the profession about current best evidence based practice. Papers are directed primarily towards the physiotherapy profession, but can be relevant to a wide range of professional groups. The growth of interdisciplinary research is also key to our aims and scope, and we encourage relevant submissions from other professional groups. The journal actively encourages submissions which utilise a breadth of different methodologies and research designs to facilitate addressing key questions related to the physiotherapy practice. PRI seeks to encourage good quality topical debates on a range of relevant issues and promote critical reflection on decision making and implementation of physiotherapy interventions.
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