Photobiomodulation with or without ILIB in diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a randomized pilot trial

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Pain Management

Background:

• Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a chronic complication causing pain and reduced quality of life.
• Pharmacological treatments for DPN offer limited relief.
• Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) presents a non-pharmacological approach with potential therapeutic effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of local PBMT, with or without intravascular laser irradiation of blood (ILIB), for DPN.
• To explore short-term changes in neuropathic pain, symptoms, and sensory responses in DPN patients.
• To compare PBMT interventions against a sham control in a pilot randomized trial.

Main Methods:

• A prospective randomized controlled pilot trial involving 26 DPN participants.
• Three groups: local PBMT, local PBMT + ILIB, and sham control.
• 12 sessions over 23 days, assessing pain (VAS) and symptoms (MNSI).

Main Results:

• Neuropathic pain intensity decreased significantly over time (p < 0.001).
• Local PBMT group showed significant intragroup pain reduction (p = 0.007).
• Improvements noted in numbness, cramps, and dry skin; no significant group x time interaction.

Conclusions:

• Local PBMT, alone or with ILIB, is feasible for DPN in an outpatient setting.
• Preliminary short-term reductions in pain and symptoms were observed.
• Cautions advised due to pilot design, small sample size, and short follow-up.