The effect of Buerger Allen exercise and the provision of oral vitamin C toward the improvement of peripheral tissue perfusion and healing of diabetic foot ulcers

Abstract

Objective

To determine the effect of Buerger Allen exercise (BAE) and oral vitamin C provision toward the improvement of peripheral tissue perfusion and wound healing of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU).

Methods

The research used quantitative methods with pre and post-experimental designs without control. The respondents in this study were 30 people with DFU in a Public Health Center, Barru, Eastern Indonesia. Our independent variables were Burger Allen exercise (BAE) and oral vitamin C provision. Meanwhile, the dependent variable is peripheral tissue perfusion, which evaluates by the Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) and wound healing using a diabetic foot ulcer assessment score (DFUAS). Participants allocated into three groups (BAE, Ester C, and BAE+Ester C).

Results

The ABPI value significantly increase in the BAE group (p:0.010), and BAE+Ester C (p:0.013) in day 14. Meanwhile, the DFUAS score also significantly improve at BAE group (p:0.024), and BAE+Ester C (p:0.001).

Conclusion

BAE combined with oral vitamin C can improve peripheral tissue perfusion and accelerate wound healing of DFU.