In 1997, Ruhland, et. al., conducted study about Chronic peripheral neuropathies (CPN) which present a complex challenge, and the effectiveness of a home exercise program in managing this condition remains underexplored. This study delves into the documented effects of a structured home exercise regimen on both impairment and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in individuals with CPN. The research aims to compare changes in impairment and HRQL between participants engaged in the exercise program and a control group. Additionally, the study investigates the relationship between HRQL and various impairment measures, shedding light on the comparison between HRQL in individuals with CPN and the general population.

The study comprised 28 subjects with CPN, spanning an age range of 23 to 84 years, with a mean age of 56.2 years (SD = 14.9), who successfully completed the research protocol.

Impairment measures included average muscle score (AMS), handgrip force, walking time, and forced vital capacity. The HRQL assessment utilized the eight scales of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and its component scales. Fourteen subjects participated in a 6-week home exercise program (exercise group), while the remaining 14 formed the control group without a designated home exercise program.

The exercise group exhibited a notable increase in AMS compared to the control group. Although no other significant between-group differences emerged, the exercise group demonstrated improvements in scores on the role limitation scales of the SF-36. Moderate correlations were observed between AMS and walking time with the physical function scale of the SF-36 (r = .55 and -.62, respectively). Importantly, HRQL scores of individuals with CPN were found to be lower than those previously reported for the general population.

This study suggests that a home exercise program plays a pivotal role in the comprehensive treatment of individuals with CPN. While patients with CPN generally exhibit lower HRQL compared to the general population, certain aspects of their quality of life appear to improve following engagement in a structured home exercise program. These findings underscore the importance of tailored exercise interventions in addressing both impairment and HRQL in the context of chronic peripheral neuropathies.

Reference: Ruhland, J. L., & Shields, R. K. (1997). The effects of a home exercise program on impairment and health-related quality of life in persons with chronic peripheral neuropathies. Physical therapy, 77(10), 1026-1039.