Objective: The purpose of this scoping review was to explore the effects of neural mobilization (NM) on outcomes in adults with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).
Methods: Five databases were searched-PubMed, Web of Science (Web of Science Core Collection), Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and Scopus-from inception to January 2022. The studies included were randomized controlled trials, pre-post single group design, multiple case studies, controlled case studies, quasi-experimental studies, and single case studies, which are published in full text in English.
Results: Six studies were included in this review, and most were of low-level evidence. The sample size of the studies ranges from 20 to 43, except for 1 case study, with a total of 158 participants in all the studies combined. In 4 out of 6 studies, only NM was given, whereas in 2 studies, NM was used along with other treatment strategies. The tibial nerve was the most studied nerve, whereas 1 study administered NM to nerves of the upper limbs, and only 1 trial examined the sciatic nerve. The outcomes included the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument questionnaire, nerve conduction velocity, vibration perception threshold, heat/cold perception threshold, weight-bearing asymmetry and range of motion of lower limb, quality of life, and magnetic imaging changes.
Conclusion: At present, only a few low-level studies exist on the use of NM for the treatment of adults with DPN. The evidence for use of NM on DPN is still limited and insufficient.
Keywords: Diabetic Complications; Diabetic Neuropathies; Neural Conduction; Quality of Life; Tibial Nerve.
© 2023 by National University of Health Sciences.