Pilot study: does lower extremity night splinting assist in the management of painful peripheral neuropathy in the HIV/AIDS population?

INTRODUCTION: The pain associated with peripheral neuropathy (PN) observed in patients living with HIV/AIDS represents a difficult complication to manage.

PARTICIPANTS: A total of 22 participants with a diagnosis of PN were recruited to assess the effects of using night splints on pain and sleep quality.

METHODS: For 3 weeks, the participants were instructed to use bilateral night splints and given an exercise regimen for 3 additional weeks. Scores from pain and sleep questionnaires were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA).

RESULTS: The change in pain scores (F(1.16) = 13.41,η(2) =.456, P = .002) and sleep index scores (z = -2.69, P = .004, 1-tailed) was found to be significant following the use of night splints. No difference was found with the use of the exercises.

DISCUSSION: The use of night splints in HIV-infected patients with PN represents an additional tool for managing pain and improving sleep.