The Effect Of Acupressure and Foot Exercise on Ankle Brachial Index in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a health problem that affects many lifelong systems and organs throughout the world, increases the risk of premature death, affects the individual, family, society and the world, has a serious spiritual and financial care burden, and has important and vital consequences.

Diabetes can cause damage to nerves as well as small and large vessels. Patients who have had DM for a long time will experience circulatory disorders in the upper and lower extremities.

Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) is a non-invasive examination of blood vessels that functions to detect clinical signs and symptoms of ischemia, reduced peripheral perfusion that can lead to angiopathy and diabetic neuropathy.

Studies indicate that foot exercise and acupressure application can be used as an alternative intervention to increase the value of the ankle-brachial index in patients with type 2 diabetes.

When the literature was examined, no comprehensive study could be found comparing the effect of foot exercise and acupressure application on the Ankle Brachial Index in diabetic patients in our country. It is thought that acupressure application and ankle exercises will accelerate peripheral circulation and may be effective on the ankle brachial index.

This study was planned with a randomized controlled experimental design to examine the effects of acupressure and ankle exercises on ankle brachial index in individuals with Type 2 diabetes.

Inclusion criteria

• Being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes
• Be 18 years or older
• Ability to speak Turkish
• Ability to establish verbal communication
• Volunteering to participate in the research

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of any psychiatric disease diagnosed by a physician
• Presence of diabetic ulcers on both feet and legs
• Presence of any amputation in the foot or leg
• Having myalgia in the foot,
• Foot fracture
• Edema in the feet