ABSTRACT
This study investigated the impact of diabetes on the physical function of patients undergoing dialysis. This study included 22 patients undergoing outpatient dialysis with continued exercise therapy during dialysis at our hospital between January 2021 and August 2021. The participants were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of diabetes, and various parameters were compared between the groups. To compare each physical function assessment and measurement of anterior thigh muscle thickness, repeated-measures analysis of variance was conducted to test for the presence of interactions and main effects. Significant differences were observed in the absence of dyslipidemia (p < 0.01), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (p < 0.01), and foot sole skin perfusion pressure (p < 0.02). In terms of physical function, a main effect between the groups was observed in the five-time sit-to-stand test, and anterior thigh muscle thickness showed a main effect over time. Significant differences in the anterior thigh muscle thickness were observed between three and six months after the intervention (p < 0.05). In patients undergoing dialysis with diabetes complications, a decrease in physical activity and lack of exercise can lead to a reduction in overall physical activity levels. Additionally, impairments such as peripheral neuropathy may contribute to an accelerated decrease in skeletal muscle mass.
ABSTRACT
[Purpose] The recurrence rate of diabetic foot ulcers is high and is related to kinematic factors. Achilles tendon lengthening has been shown to reduce the recurrence rate of foot ulcers by increasing the range of motion in the ankle joint and decreasing the plantar load. However, there are few reports on the effects of Achilles tendon lengthening in Japanese patients, but the results are yet to be clarified. This study aims to investigate the effects of Achilles tendon lengthening on physical function and ambulatory state in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. [Participants and Methods] This study initially included 10 patients with diabetic ulcers who had undergone Achilles tendon lengthening between April 2013 and March 2020. We retrospectively evaluated the factors available from the medical records. [Results] The dorsiflexion range of motion in the ankle joint increased by 10.5 degrees on average after surgery, while the plantar load decreased by 19.1 percent, while gait speed and stride length remained unchanged. [Conclusion] Achilles tendon lengthening for diabetic foot ulcers increased the range of motion in the ankle joint and decreased the plantar load without changing the ambulatory state.
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to investigate whether belt electrode skeletal muscle electrical stimulation (B-SES) would improve postoperative lower limb function and walking ability in patients with diabetes who have undergone minor amputations. Diabetic patients who had undergone minor amputations were assigned randomly to a B-SES or control group. The B-SES group underwent conventional physical therapy for 20â min and B-SES for 20â min. The control group underwent only the 20-min conventional physical therapy. In both groups, rehabilitation was introduced by the physical therapists for 14 days from postoperative day 1. The outcome measures were range of motion in the ankle joint, knee extension muscle strength, ambulation status, and quality of life score. All these were evaluated before the intervention and 2 and 4 weeks after the intervention. From the 84 patients initially assessed, 32 were assigned to either the B-SES (N = 16) or control (N = 16) group. Preoperatively, there were no significant differences in all endpoints. The B-SES group showed significant improvement in the ankle dorsiflexion angle at 2 weeks postoperatively and knee joint extension strength at 4 weeks postoperatively. Postoperative B-SES with standard physical therapy might improve the range of motion of dorsiflexion of the ankle joint and extensor strength of the knee joint in patients with diabetes who have undergone minor amputations. B-SES is a useful tool to improve postoperative physical function in diabetic patients who have undergone minor amputations. A multicenter study is needed to determine the effective B-SES combined with regular physiotherapy for minor amputation.