Abstract
Introduction. Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is one of the most frequent chronic complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). One technique capable of influencing the central and peripheral nervous system is foot reflexology (FR). Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the immediate effect of FR in DN type 2 patients. Method. This was a randomized controlled clinical trial, with 12 participants selected from a list of diabetic patients from the Basic Health Units of the city of Alfenas-MG. The sample consisted of two groups: Control Group (n=5) and Intervention Group (n=7). The instruments used were: surface electromyography for analysis of the lateral and medial gastrocnemius muscles, baropodometry to evaluate the balance from the variables of mean pressure and mass division, and the cardiofrequency meter to analyze the relationship between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system and cardiovascular stress. Statistical analysis was used the Shapiro-Wilk test and later the independent t test and Mann Whitney for intergroup comparison. Results. There was only a difference in the EMG of the right lateral gastrocnemius muscle (p=0.04). Conclusion. It was concluded that FR was able to generate response in muscle electrical activity, besides influencing the balance of DN2 patients.
Highlights
Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is one of the most frequent chronic complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2)
According to estimates by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), in 2017 about 425 million people worldwide were diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and in Brazil there are more than 12 million cases[2]
This happens because DN presents a degenerative character leaving the feet vulnerable to the appearance of lesions, which directly affects the quality of life of the individual[7]
Summary
Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is one of the most frequent chronic complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is one of the most frequent chronic complications of DM2, with distal symmetric polyneuropathy being the most common clinical form involving multiple pathophysiological mechanisms such as neurodegenerative, vascular, metabolic, and inflammatory changes[5]. It is estimated that about 50% to 75% of DN cases remain underdiagnosed and asymptomatic, increasing the risk of various complications, including amputation of the lower limbs[6]. This happens because DN presents a degenerative character leaving the feet vulnerable to the appearance of lesions, which directly affects the quality of life of the individual[7]
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