Abstract: Objective To explore the effects of whole body vibration(WBV) on blood glucose control, balance function and lower limb muscle strength in the elderly patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN). Methods From May 2018 to October 2020, 81 elderly patients with DPN were randomly divided into control group(n=40) and experimental group(n=41). Both groups received the routine medication management, aerobic exercise and dietary guidance. The experimental group received aerobic exercise training combined with WBV which was performed on a vibration machine, whereas the control group performed the same aerobic exercise training without using WBV. Before and after the intervention, the levels of fasting plasma glucose(FPG) and glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c) in both groups were detected, and all patients received balance function test under eye-opened and eye-closed condition using Pro-Kin 254 balance assessment equipment, timed Up and Go test and 30-second chair stand test. Results After intervention, the levels of FPG and HbA1c, the results of sway length and area in the eye-closed test, timed Up and Go test and 30-second chair stand test were improved in experimental group(P<0.05), and significantly higher than those in control group(P<0.05). Conclusions WBV can significantly improve the levels of plasma glucose, HbA1c, balance ability and lower extremity muscle strength in the elderly with DPN.

Key words: diabetes mellitus, peripheral nerves, whole body vibration, balance function