Effect of Salt Glow Massage on Nerve Conduction in Patients with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

• Published in: Diabetes Technology and Obesity Medicine Vol. 1; no. 1; pp. 271 - 277
• Main Authors: Natarajan, Kathiresan, Kathiresan, Arunthathi, Sathiyavathi, G., Chidambaram, Yogapriya, Nivethitha, L., Mooventhan, A., Manavalan, N.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers 01.06.2025
• Subjects: Original Article; diabetic peripheral neuropathy; salt glow massage; nerve conduction; hydrotherapy
• ISSN: 2998-6702; 2998-6702
• DOI: 10.1089/dtom.2025.0042

Introduction: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a prevalent complication of chronic diabetes mellitus, resulting in sensory function deterioration primarily in the lower limbs. Current treatments, including anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and opioids, often have limited efficacy and potential adverse effects. Complementary and alternative medicine including hydrotherapy is gaining attention worldwide. Salt glow massage is one of the hydrotherapeutic modalities that combines the mechanical effects of massage and chemical effects of salt application to the skin. There is no previous study that reports the therapeutic effect of salt glow massage. This study aims to evaluate the effect of salt glow massage on nerve conduction in patients with DPN. Methods: A randomized controlled design will be adapted for this study. Subjects will be recruited by convenient sampling method and randomized into a study group and a control group. The study group will undergo 15 min of salt glow massage on alternate days, whereas the control group will undergo 15 min of neutral water application on alternate days for 2 weeks. Nerve conduction velocity and visual analog scale for pain and neuropathic symptoms will be assessed at baseline and 2 weeks after the intervention. Discussion: The result of this study is expected to elucidate the efficacy of salt glow massage in improving symptoms in patients with DPN. The findings could provide valuable insights into integrating hydrotherapeutic modalities into conventional diabetic neuropathy management, potentially enhancing patient outcomes and treatment adherence. Conclusions: The current study’s findings may provide insight into the effect of salt glow massage on nerve conduction velocity, pain and symptoms of DPN.