A STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF BUERGER ALLEN EXERCISE ON LOWER EXTREMITY PERFUSION AND REDUCING PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY SYMPTOMS AMONG DIABETES MELLITUS PATIENT IN SELECTED COMMUNITY AREAS OF BHOPAL, M.P

Abstract

The Buerger-Allen Exercise (BAE) is a targeted intervention aimed at improving lower extremity blood flow and alleviating Peripheral Neuropathy (PNS) symptoms in Diabetes Mellitus (DM) patients. This research employs an Evaluative approach to conduct a Pre experimental research design; involving a purposive sample of fifty DM patients aged 30 to 75, encompassing both genders. The study encompasses structured knowledge questionnaires, self-reported demographic data, manual Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) scale measurements for Lower Extremity Perfusion (LEP), and Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) 15 items questionnaire was used for PNS assessment. Over four days, comprehensive BAE demonstrations and instruction were provided, with a post-test on the fifth day using the same assessment tools. The majority of participants (75%) fell within the 60–69 age brackets, with 98% having received education up to the primary school level. Approximately 62% had diabetes, and 20% had a history of peripheral arterial disease. Before the intervention, 56% exhibited mildly impaired perfusion, and over 60% displayed signs of abnormal neuropathy, both of which showed significant reductions following BAE implementation for both right and left  LEP (t49 = 7.5, p < 0.001) and left LEP (t49= 7.46, p < 0.001). In conclusion, this study suggests that educating DM patients about BAE can effectively enhance Lower Extremity Perfusion and mitigate PNS, making it a viable practice within both hospital and home care settings.