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Thermal Biofeedback for the Treatment of Diabetic Neuropathy

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Diabetic Neuropathy, Painful
Interventions
Behavioral: Thermal Biofeedback Assisted Relaxation
Behavioral: Discussion with therapist
Registration Number
NCT00858351
Lead Sponsor
Northwestern University
Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to examine potential treatment options for a condition in diabetics that causes tingling, pain, and numbness in the hands and /or feet, also known as diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Detailed Description

Participants attend 6 sessions lasting from 35 minutes to 2 hours (depending on the session). Sessions can be scheduled once or twice per week. Sessions involve a walking task, filling out questionnaires, and having temperature of hands and feet monitored. This study involves no drugs, blood draws, or any other invasive procedures. Participants are urged to continue the treatment of diabetes and diabetic neuropathy as directed by their physician for the duration of their involvement with the study. After 3 months, a packet of questionnaires will be mailed with a stamped addressed envelope to be returned.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
32
Inclusion Criteria
  • Clinical Diagnosis of Diabetic Neuropathy in Hands and/or Feet
  • Must have some sensation left in hands and feet
Exclusion Criteria
  • Any partial or total amputation of an limb or digit
  • Any previous experience with biofeedback
  • Prior treatment for alcohol abuse
  • Severe Psychopathology

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Thermal Biofeedback Assisted RelaxationThermal Biofeedback Assisted Relaxation-
DiscussionDiscussion with therapist-
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Subjective PainChange in subjective pain rating from baseline to end of intervention
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Perceived ControlChange from mid-intervention (visit 4) to end of intervention
TemperatureChange within each session and across sessions from baseline to end of intervention
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