The Effect of Foot and Ankle Exercise on Pain and Quality of Life in Patients With Diabetic Neuropathy

The Effect of Foot and Ankle Exercise on Pain and Quality of Life in Patients With Diabetic Neuropathy

The study will be carried out to determine the effect on pain and quality of life between the groups that received and did not receive foot and ankle exercise training.

In the literature, in patients with diabetic neuropathy who received foot and ankle exercise training; It is observed that it reduces the level of pain and increases the quality of life. Foot and ankle exercise training given to the participants improved blood circulation, improved foot-ankle range of motion, increased foot muscle strength and function, improved diabetic neuropathy symptoms, redistributed plantar pressure during movement, improved sensitivity, and was effective in maintaining balance; It is thought that participants can reduce pain and improve their quality of life with foot and ankle exercise training. While there are studies examining the effect of non-pharmacological interventions such as spa treatment and pulse electromagnetic field therapy in patients with diabetic neuropathy in our country, no study has been found examining the effect of foot and ankle exercise training on pain and quality of life in patients with diabetic neuropathic pain. It is thought that the results of the research will be beneficial in symptom management and improve quality of life in addition to pharmacological treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18 years and over,
• Having been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes for at least one year,
• Diagnosed with diabetic peripheral neuropathy for at least 6 months by EMG by a neurologist,
• Individuals with diabetes mellitus with neuropathic pain who score 12 or higher on the S-Lanns (Self-Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Sign) pain scale,
• Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) value to be at least 1,
• Receiving medical treatment for diabetic neuropathy,
• Did not receive physical therapy and non-pharmacological treatment during the research period,
• Having no physical and mental problems that will prevent communication,
• Having blood glucose meters at home,
• Individuals with smart device use,

Exclusion Criteria:

• Peripheral vascular complications due to diabetes or another etiology,
• Having a history of surgery on the knee, ankle and hip and indication for surgery during the intervention period,
• Those who cannot communicate on the phone (with hearing problems),
• Having nephropathy, retinopathy and diabetic foot,
• Neurological diseases (stroke, cerebrovascular diseases, epilepsy) and serious musculoskeletal problems (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis)
• Neurocognitive disorder (Alzheimer's disease, dementia),
• Not taking any physical therapy during the intervention period,
• Patients with deep vein thrombosis, femur fractures, surgical conditions, open wounds