Effect of Pulsed Magnetic Field Therapy Versus Aerobic Training on Peripheral Arteries in Type 2 Diabetes

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by high blood glucose levels over a prolonged period of time, requiring continuous medical care and ongoing patient. Self-management education and support, to prevent acute complications and to reduce the risk of long-term complications. Aim of Study: The main purpose of this study was to investigate and compare between the effect of pulsed electro-magnetic field and aerobic exercises in treatment of athero-sclerosis in type 2 diabetic patients. Subjects and Methods: Forty atherosclerotic diabetic patients, with ages ranged from 45 to 55 years old, were recruited from Out Clinic of Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University. They were assigned randomly to two equal groups; group A, which included 20 diabetic atherosclerotic patientswho received PEMF for with 15Hz frequency and 20 gauss intensity for 20min., while group B included 20 diabetic atherosclerotic patients who received aerobic exercise with 65-80% pf predicted max. heart rate. For both groups treatment conducted for 8 weeks, 3 sessions/week. Measurement of arterial blood flow and intimal thickness by Doppler ultra-sonography were reported before and after 8 weeks of the treatment. Results: Within group comparison showed significant increase of arterial blood flow and significant reduction of intimal thickness in both groups in both groups (p < 0.05). Comparison between post-treatment values between both groups showed non-significant difference. Conclusion: It could be concluded that, PEMF and aerobic exercises are effective methods in treatment of arterial problems in type 2 diabetic patients.