Arun G Maiya1, A Sampath Kumar2, Animesh Hazari2, Radhika Jadhav3, L Ramachandra4, H Manjunatha Hande5, Shenoy K Rajgopal6, Shubha G Maiya7, Prabath Kalkura8, Laxmikant G Keni9. 1. Professor and Associate Dean, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India. 2. Scholar, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India. 3. Physiotherapist, Manipal, Karnataka, India. 4. Professor, Head of Department, Department of Surgery, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India. 5. Professor, Head of Department; Department of Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India. 6. Professor, Associate Dean (Academics), Department of Surgery, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India. 7. Senior Health Educator, WDF Project, School of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India. 8. Project Manager, WDF Project, School of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India. 9. Assistant Professor-Senior Scale, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Low-level laser therapy (also known as photobiomodulation therapy, PBMT) promotes accelerated healing of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), thereby preventing the risk of future complications and amputation. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of PBMT, with structured, graded mobilisation and foot care, on DFU healing dynamics. METHOD: Patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, diabetic peripheral neuropathy and presenting with a chronic neuroischaemic DFU, were treated with PBMT using scanning and non-contact probe methods. The DFU was clinically observed and the area measured every seven days until complete healing. Neuropathic parameters were also measured. The PBMT was administered until complete closure of the DFU and patients also undertook a programme of graded mobilisation. RESULTS: A total of 17 participants were recruited, with a mean age of 69±8 years, and a mean duration of diabetes of 13±5 years. Mean complete closure time was 26±11days. In addition, a mean reduction of the semi-quantitative vibration pressure threshold from 49±2 volts to 20±4 volts was observed in all participants. CONCLUSION: PBMT can be effectively used as a treatment mode for neuroischaemic DFUs in patients with type 2 diabetes. Graded mobilisation with focused foot care could improve the function of people living with type 2 diabetes with a chronic DFU.
OBJECTIVE: Low-level laser therapy (also known as photobiomodulation therapy, PBMT) promotes accelerated healing of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), thereby preventing the risk of future complications and amputation. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of PBMT, with structured, graded mobilisation and foot care, on DFU healing dynamics. METHOD:Patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, diabetic peripheral neuropathy and presenting with a chronic neuroischaemic DFU, were treated with PBMT using scanning and non-contact probe methods. The DFU was clinically observed and the area measured every seven days until complete healing. Neuropathic parameters were also measured. The PBMT was administered until complete closure of the DFU and patients also undertook a programme of graded mobilisation. RESULTS: A total of 17 participants were recruited, with a mean age of 69±8 years, and a mean duration of diabetes of 13±5 years. Mean complete closure time was 26±11days. In addition, a mean reduction of the semi-quantitative vibration pressure threshold from 49±2 volts to 20±4 volts was observed in all participants. CONCLUSION: PBMT can be effectively used as a treatment mode for neuroischaemic DFUs in patients with type 2 diabetes. Graded mobilisation with focused foot care could improve the function of people living with type 2 diabetes with a chronic DFU.