Effect of buerger allen exercise on foot perfusion among patient with diabetes mellitus: A systematic review & meta-analysis

Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2022 Feb;16(2):102393. doi: 10.1016/j.dsx.2022.102393. Epub 2022 Jan 13.

Abstract

Aim: Buerger-Allen exercise includes set of activities like elevation, movement and rest of the lower extremities. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of BAE on foot perfusion among patient with diabetes mellitus.

Material & methods: Five databases were searched for literatures published from inception to October 2020. Cochrane Collaboration Tool for RCTs and ROBINS-I tool for quasi-experimental studies were used for quality assessment.

Results: Four RCTs and six quasi-experimental studies were included, and pooled analysis have shown that the BAE was significantly effective in the improvement of ABI scores (MD = 0.14; 95% CI 0.08-0.19; I2 = 30%; p < 0.000).

Conclusions: Studies showed that BAE effectively improves foot perfusion among patients with diabetes mellitus.

Keywords: Ankle brachial index; Buerger allen exercise; Diabetes mellitus; Exercise therapy; Foot perfusion; Peripheral vascular diseases.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Diabetes Mellitus*
  • Diabetic Foot* / prevention & control
  • Exercise
  • Foot
  • Humans
  • Lower Extremity
  • Perfusion