The effect of a vibration intervention on the somatosensory Cortex of the brain in patients with sensory peripheral Neuropathy secondary to type ii diabetes mellitus
| dc.contributor.author | Smit, Merisa | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-01-15T09:11:49Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-01-15T09:11:49Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Background: Sensory peripheral neuropathy (SPN) is one of the most common complications of type II Diabetes Mellitus (DM II) and is the most significant risk factor for ulcerations and subsequent lower limb amputations. The vibration perception threshold (VPT) in patients with sensory peripheral neuropathy (SPN) reflects the severity of secondary sensation loss. This study explores the mechanisms that may have contributed to an improvement in VPT after using a vibration intervention for one month. Preliminary research conducted by the study supervisor has confirmed the effect of vibration on VPT. However, this study seeks to investigate the underlying mechanisms, including potential changes in activity within the somatosensory cortex of the brain. Study aim: This study aims to determine the effect of a vibration intervention, applied to the plantar surface of the foot of patients with SPN secondary to DM II on the somatosensory cortex of the brain. The revised aim was to explore possible physiological mechanisms for improved VPT in patients with Diabetes, following vibration therapy. Methods: A multi-method study design was employed, including a case series and a scoping review. The case series was conducted in Phase 1, followed by the scoping review in Phase 2. In Phase 1, the effect of vibrating insole therapy on somatosensory cortex function was assessed through pre- and post-intervention measurements using a quasi-experimental approach. This case series was conducted at two sites in Cape Town, South Africa: Wound Net clinic and the Cape universities Body Imaging Centre (CUBIC) at Groote Schuur Hospital. Data collection commenced in the second semester of 2019 and was discontinued in March 2020 due to COVID- 19 pandemic restrictions. After a sabbatical pause due to the pandemic, the researcher amended he original objectives before launching Phase 2. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/10566/21713 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | University of the Western Cape | |
| dc.subject | Brain activity | |
| dc.subject | Diabetes Mellitus | |
| dc.subject | Diabetic ulcer | |
| dc.subject | Intervention | |
| dc.subject | Mechanism | |
| dc.title | The effect of a vibration intervention on the somatosensory Cortex of the brain in patients with sensory peripheral Neuropathy secondary to type ii diabetes mellitus | |
| dc.type | Thesis |