Huber Proprioceptive Training and Alpha-Lipoic Acid: A New Approach in Optimizing Nerve Function in Patients With
Aldijana Kadrić1, Emina Rovčanin2, Damir Čelik3
1Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, BIH.
Cureus
|April 15, 2026
Summary
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) combined with Huber proprioception training significantly improved nerve conduction in chronic low back pain patients. This pilot study suggests a potential benefit for sensoriomotor function in CLBP.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) shows promise for nerve conduction in diabetic neuropathy.
- The link between proprioception deficits and movement dysfunction in chronic low back pain (CLBP) is unclear.
- Direct evidence on ALA's effect on nerve conduction in CLBP patients is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of Huber system exercises for proprioception.
- To evaluate nerve conduction study findings in CLBP patients treated with ALA.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study with 15 CLBP patients over three weeks.
- Daily 600 mg ALA supplementation and five weekly Huber training sessions.
- Electromyography and nerve conduction studies at baseline and end of study.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant increases in proximal and distal peroneal M wave amplitudes (p<0.001).
- Statistically significant increases in proximal and distal tibial M wave amplitudes (p<0.001).
- Most affected spinal levels were L4/L5 (87% of patients).
Conclusions:
- ALA supplementation combined with sensoriomotor training may improve nerve conduction in CLBP.
- Further research with larger cohorts and longer follow-up is warranted.
- This approach could offer a novel therapeutic strategy for CLBP management.
