Effect of Buerger- Allen Exercise on Lower Extremities Perfusion among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus has increased the risk of more complications. One complication that often occurs is peripheral vascular diseases and decreased foot perfusion of patients by causing endothelial and smooth muscle cell dysfunction in peripheral arteries. Buerger’s exercise is a simple intervention for improving the peripheral circulation of patients with Diabetes mellitus. Therefore, Aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of Buerger-Allen Exercise on improving lower extremities perfusion among patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Study design: A quasi-experimental design was utilized to achieve the aim. Setting: This study was conducted at medical words affiliated to Ain Shams University Hospital; Egypt. Sample: A Purposive sample of 70 patients. Procedure: data were collected using three tools as follow:1-Structured Interview Questionnaire, 2- patient’s medical history and clinical variables tool and 3- Peripheral Circulation Assessment Tools. Results: there was no statistically significant difference between pre intervention and post 1 mean score in right leg (t= 1.088, p= 0.278), while the score of the left leg showed a statistically significant difference (t= 3.699, p= 0.002). Also, there were a statistically significant differences between post 1 and post 2 after Buerger- Allen exercise implementation mean scores in both legs (t= 2.756, p= 0.007& t= 3.699, p= 0.002), respectively. This shows that Buerger Allen Exercise was effective in improving lower extremities perfusion. The Conclusion: Buerger Allen Exercise implementation is effective method for decreasing capillary refill time, increasing ankle brachial index (ABI) score and improving peripheral pulses, temperature, skin color and sensation post Buerger-Allen exercise implementation, which improving the lower extremities perfusion among patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, which supported our research hypothesis. Recommendation: Encourage health care providers especially nurses to integrate Buerger Allen exercise in the care protocols of patients with DM in different health care settings.