Effects of Strength Exercise on Pain Management and Quality of Life in Subjects with Systemic Peripheral Neuropathies: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The aim of this systematic rewiew (SR) was to evaluate the effects of strength exercises (SE) on pain and quality of life (QoL) in subjects with systemic peripheral neuropathies (PN) in comparison with other exercise modalities and other conventional/control treatments. Sixteen studies (n = 1150) were included in the SR and fourteen were analyzed in the meta-analysis.

SE produced a significant improvement in pain intensity in 81.25% of the studies included (weighted Hedges’g =  − 0.57, 95% IC =  − 0.89 to − 0.24, p < 0.001) but showing large heterogeneity values (I2 = 87.09%). Four of ten studies that measured QoL also reported significant improvements.

These findings suggest that SE could be an effective treatment on pain in subjects with systemic PN, especially in the long term. Programs lasting at least 8-12 weeks and taking values between 30%-65% of 1RM are suggested as appropriate options. Improvements in QoL due to SE remain unclear.