Effects of monochromatic infrared energy therapy on diabetic feet with peripheral sensory neuropathy: a randomised controlled trial

Nawfar SA, Yacob NBM
Correspondence: Dr Abdul Nawfar Sadagatullah, nawfar@kb.usm.my

ABSTRACT
Introduction Peripheral diabetic neuropathy, which is a cause of increasing morbidity and mortality following foot ulcers and amputations, is a burden to health and the economy. Various adjunct treatments to improve neuropathy have been introduced into the market; one such treatment is monochromatic infrared energy (MIRE) therapy, which claimed to produce promising results. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of MIRE on diabetic feet with peripheral neuropathy.
Methods A randomised controlled, single-blinded study was conducted at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia from February 2008 to October 2008. A total of 30 feet from 24 patients were studied. Neuropathy was screened using the Michigan neuropathy scoring instrument, followed by an assessment of the current perception threshold using a neurometer at frequencies of 2,000 Hz, 250 Hz and 5 Hz. The feet were randomised to receive either daily MIRE or sham treatment for a total of 12 treatments. Each foot was then reassessed using the neurometer at six weeks and three months following treatment.
Results The data obtained was analysed using a non-parametric test to compare the pre- and post-treatment groups. No significant difference was found between the neuropathic foot of diabetic patients in both the MIRE and sham groups.
Conclusion No improvement of neuropathy was observed following MIRE treatment in the neuropathic feet of diabetic patients.

Keywords: diabetes complications, diabetic foot, infrared therapy, peripheral neuropathy
Singapore Med J 2011; 52(9): 669–672