Buerger Allen Exercise and Foot Spa Therapy on Ankle Brachial Index and Foot Sensitivity of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Poorly managed diabetes can lead to various complications, including peripheral vascular disease and diabetic neuropathy. Buerger Allen Exercise and foot spa therapy are a series of foot treatments that can overcome DM complications by improving blood circulation characterized by improved ABI values and foot sensitivity. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Buerger Allen Exercise and foot spa therapy on Ankle Brachial Index and foot sensitivity of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in the working area of Antang Health Center, Makassar City. The design of this study was a quasi-experiment without a control group. Samples were taken using purposive sampling on 34 DM patients. Data collection procedures were carried out 15-20 minutes, three times a week for four weeks. The data analysis used was bivariate analysis with Wilcoxon and Mc Nemar tests with a significance level of 0.05. The results showed that the mean value of the right ABI before the intervention of Buerger Allen Exercise and Foot Spa Therapy was 0.94 and after the intervention increased to 1. As for the left ABI, the mean value before and after the intervention was 1. Insensitive feet before the intervention were 35.3% and reduced to 17.6% after being given Buerger Allen Exercise and Foot Spa Therapy. There is an effect of Buerger Allen Exercise and Foot Spa Therapy on ABI values (p-value = 0.016) and foot sensitivity of patients with DM (p-value = 0.031). Buerger Allen Exercise and Foot Spa Therapy need to be socialized to DM patients and families as a support system and still adhere to DM management such as dietary management and others to maximize the results of the intervention.