Effects of Buerger Exercise Combined Health‐Promoting Program on Peripheral Neurovasculopathy Among Community Residents at High Risk for Diabetic Foot Ulceration. Issue 3 (11th May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chang, Chyong‐Fang; Chang, Chang‐Cheng; Hwang, Su‐Lun; Chen, Mei‐Yen
• Is Part Of: Worldviews on evidence-based nursing. Volume 12:Issue 3(2015)
• Page Start: 145
• Page End: 153
• Publication Date: 2015-05-11
• Subjects: Evidence-based nursing -- Periodicals; 610.7
• DOI: 10.1111/wvn.12091
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1545-102X

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>ABSTRACT</title> <sec id="wvn12091-sec-0010" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>Peripheral neuropathy and vasculopathy are important risk factors for diabetic foot ulceration (DFU). Buerger exercises for patients with arterial occlusive disease have previously been noted; however, current evidence to support this intervention is limited.</p> </sec> <sec id="wvn12091-sec-0020" sec-type="section"> <title>Aim</title> <p>We established a standardized procedure for Buerger exercises combined with a health‐promoting program and investigated its effectiveness in reducing peripheral neurovasculopathy among rural Taiwanese residents with type 2 diabetes who were at high risk of developing DFU.</p> </sec> <sec id="wvn12091-sec-0030" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>A one group quasi‐experimental pretest–posttest design was used. The Buerger exercise protocol composed of a three‐step posture change with 9 minutes for each cycle. The health‐promoting program composed of six dimensions of healthy habits. Outcome measurements 1 year after the beginning of the intervention included the ankle brachial pressure index (ABI), the Michigan neuropathy screening instrument (MNSI), blood pressure, frequency of self‐reported leg discomfort, and a type 2 Diabetes Health Promoting Score.</p> </sec> <sec id="wvn12091-sec-0040" sec-type="section"> <title>Findings</title> <p>Thirty‐one of 66 (47%) subjects completed this study. Buerger exercises combined with the health‐promoting program significantly improved (a) the ABI in the legs, (b) health‐promoting behaviors, (c) MNSI values, and (d) leg discomfort symptoms.</p> </sec> <sec id="wvn12091-sec-0050" sec-type="section"> <title>Linking Evidence to Action</title> <p>This study supports the use of Buerger exercises combined with the health‐promoting program to improve symptoms of peripheral neuropathy and peripheral circulation in patients with type 2 diabetes.</p> </sec> </abstract>