Supervised home-based resistance training for managing idiopathic peripheral polyneuropathy - A case report

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Exercise Physiology
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Idiopathic peripheral polyneuropathy (PP) presents challenges in maintaining functional capacity and mental well-being.
• Home-based resistance training (RT) offers a potentially accessible intervention for individuals with chronic conditions.
• Limited research exists on the efficacy of supervised home-based RT for PP patients.

Observation:

• A 50-year-old male with PP, new to RT, completed 24 supervised home-based RT sessions over 12 weeks.
• Training involved 3 exercises, 3 sets per session, using minimal equipment like elastic tubes and light dumbbells.
• Assessments included muscle performance (30-s push-up test), functional capacity (SST, AC, 2-MST), anxiety (STAI), and depression (BDI).

Findings:

• Significant improvements were observed in muscle performance (40% increase in push-ups) and functional capacity (100% increase in sit-to-stand, 44% in arm curl, 157% in 2-min step test).
• Anxiety levels decreased by 24% (state) and 4% (trait).
• No significant changes were noted in depressive symptoms (BDI scores).

Implications:

• Supervised home-based RT is a feasible and effective strategy for enhancing functional capacity in patients with PP.
• This intervention demonstrates potential benefits for improving mental health, specifically reducing anxiety, in this population.
• The use of low-cost, accessible equipment makes this approach suitable for broader implementation in managing PP.