Impact of Buerger-Allen Exercises on Foot Perfusion and Pain Level for Diabetic Patients Risk with Peripheral Arterial Disease

Abstract

Abstract The risk of peripheral arterial disease is markedly increased among individuals with diabetes. The current study aimed to evaluate diabetic patients' foot perfusion and their pain level after applying Buerger-Allen exercises. Subjects & methods: Quasi-experimental research design was used on a purposive sample of 100 type II diabetic patient in the General medical department and diabetic out-patient clinic, at Minia university hospital. Patients' interview questionnair, Ankle-brachial Index test and Numerical pain rating scale were used as tools for data collection. Results: There were highly statistically significant differences between the study group and control group regard Ankle-brachial Index measurements only post-application of Buerger-Allen exercises for six weeks (p ≤ 0.004). Moreover, results stated that the highest percentage (54.0%) among the study group who had moderate pain pre-application exercises but after they were performed exercises, their pain description became mild or no pain constituted (50.0% & 20.0%) respectively with highly statistical significant. Conclusion: Buerger-Allen exercise was efficient for improvement of lower peripheral arterial perfusion and there are highly statistically significant improvements in pain level among the study group. Recommendations: Diabetic patient must attend health education sessions based on evidence guidelines regard Buerger-Allen exercise which had a positive effect on the improvement of lower peripheral circulation.