What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical study with 18 diabetic patients experiencing loss of protective sensation to evaluate the effects of monochromatic infrared energy on tissue perfusion, sensation, and pain.
What They Found
The study found no significant differences between active monochromatic infrared energy treatments and sham treatments regarding transcutaneous oxygen measurements, sensation, or pain. This suggests that monochromatic infrared energy did not improve tissue perfusion or restore protective sensation in the 18 diabetic patients studied.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients with diabetes and loss of protective sensation should be aware that monochromatic infrared energy may not be an effective treatment for improving sensation or reducing pain. Patients should discuss proven therapies for diabetic neuropathy with their healthcare providers rather than relying on this specific infrared energy approach.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was conducted in the United States.
Study Limitations
A key limitation of this study is its small sample size of 18 participants and the use of convenience sampling.