A study to assess the effectiveness of Buerger- Allen exercise on lower extremity perfusion, peripheral neuropathy symptoms and risk for development of foot ulcer among patients with Diabetes Mellitus at selected hospitals of Mullana, Ambala, Haryana

Patient with Diabetes Mellitus is at increased risk of developing peripheral vascular disease, leading to reduced lower extremity perfusion (LEP) and peripheral neuropathy symptoms (PNS). Impaired circulation in lower limbs may further increase risk for development of foot ulcer. Improvement of blood circulation through non- pharmacological management plays a significant role in preventing these complications among individual with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. The Buerger- Allen exercise is one such intervention aimed at stimulating and developing collateral circulation thereby enhancing LEP, reducing PNS, minimizing the risk of foot ulcer formation. The study includes two groups: an experimental and a control group. On Day 1 pretest is done, the experimental group receives the Buerger- Allen exercise intervention on Day 1 to Day 6, while control group receives only routine care without the exercise and post-test is conducted on Day 6.  The data collection is done using standardised tools in which tool 1 - Foot perfusion parameters are assessed using Ankle brachial index to assess the lower extremity perfusion , tool 2- Michigan Neuropathy screening instrument (MNSI)- to evaluate peripheral neuropathy symptoms and tool 3 - NMAHS ( Modified North Metropolitan Area Health Service East diabetes foot screening and observation tool) - to assess the risk for development of foot ulcer. Dependent variables for the study- lower extremity perfusion, peripheral neuropathy symptoms and risk for development of foot ulcer.

Recruitment and data collection have been completed. Data analysis is in progress