Effects of 12-Weeks Combined Trainings with Vitamin D Supplement on the Sensory-Motor Neuropathy in Women with Type 2 Diabetes

Peripheral neuropathy is a common complaint of diabetes. This complication is created because of the many consequences of disability among patients، as a debilitating disease known. The purpose of this study was investigating the effects of 12-weeks combined training with vitamin D supplement on improvement of sensory-motor neuropathy in women with type 2 diabetes. This clinical trial study was conducted in Isfahan province، Iran، during 2013-2014. 90 patients were selected and randomly divided in two groups. 9 patients (included 5 intervention، and 4 control patients) were excluded and finally 81 adult females with type 2 diabetes aged 20-55 years were entered to the study. The control group had no training but، received vitamin D. The experimental group، received vitamin D and 12-weeks training program (3 days a week، 60 minutes per session) including aerobic exercises، strength and flexibility. Aerobic exercise intensity was set at 60-70% of maximum heart rate and resistance training intensity was determined by 50 percent of 10 RM (Rep Max). The intensity of neuropathy was measured using Michigan neuropathy screening instrument (MNSI); reflex hammer and tuning fork 128 Hz were used for pre- and post-test. Followed three months of combined trainings and supplementation with vitamin D، significant reductions in numbness (P = 0. 001)، pain (P = 0. 002)، tingling (P = 0. 001) and weakness (P = 0. 002) in the lower limb was seen. In addition، increases in the sense of touch intervention (P = 0. 005)، detecting the position of the fingers (P = 0. 001) and vibration perception (P = 0. 001) in the tissues after the training was noted. Knee reflexes (P = 0. 770) and ankles (P = 0. 470) did not significantly change after the interventions. It seems that participation in combined trainings and supplementation with vitamin D can decrease the symptoms of sensory-motor neuropathy.