Comparison of the Effects of Aquatic Therapeutic Exercise and Kinesio-taping on Blood Glucose Levels, Sensory-Motor Symptoms, and Neuropathic Pain in Women with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Document Type : Original research papers

Authors

1 department of sports sciences, university of bojnord, Bojnord, Iran.

2 Department of Sports Sciences, University of Bojnord, Bojnord, Iran

10.22098/jast.2025.16775.1405

Abstract

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a prevalent long-term complication of diabetes, characterized by severe pain, loss or reduction of sensation, and an increased risk of ulcers and amputations. The present study aims to compare the effects of aquatic therapeutic exercise (ATE) and kinesio-taping (KT) on blood glucose levels, sensory-motor symptoms, and neuropathic pain in women with DPN.
Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with a causal-comparative approach and a pretest-posttest design. Twenty women with DPN (age: 51.55 ± 4.54 years; height: 160.50 ± 3.77 cm; weight: 67.68 ± 8.09 kg) were randomly assigned to either an ATE group or a KT group. The ATE group performed Aquatic Therapeutic exercises for eight weeks. In the KT group, the tapes were continuously applied to the anterior and posterior muscles of the calf for eight weeks. A glucometer was used to assess blood glucose levels, and the Michigan neuropathy screening instrument was employed to evaluate neuropathy symptoms. Moreover, the LANSS pain scale was utilized to measure pain levels.
Results: The study findings revealed that both methods caused significant changes in symptoms and neuropathic pain; however, only the ATE significantly changed blood glucose levels (P<0.05). Additionally, no significant differences were observed between the effects of KT and ATE on neuropathic symptoms and pain between the two groups (P>0.05).
Conclusions: According to the results, while both methods have positive effects on improving neuropathy symptoms and reducing pain in women with DPN, only ATE reduces blood glucose levels in these individuals

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 16 October 2025
  • Receive Date: 11 February 2025
  • Revise Date: 08 May 2025
  • Accept Date: 25 May 2025