EFFECTIVENESS OF BUERGER ALLEN EXERCISE ON PROTECTIVE FOOT SENSATION AMONG PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

Abstract

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus that increases the risk of foot ulceration due to impaired protective sensation. This study evaluated the effect of Buerger Allen Exercise (BAE) on protective foot sensation among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A pre-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design was conducted among 31 patients selected through purposive sampling. Protective foot sensation was assessed using the Semmes–Weinstein 10 g monofilament test before and after BAE performed once daily for three consecutive days. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. The mean monofilament score increased from 2,68 and 2,58 to 7,52 and 7,39 in both feet, with a significant improvement after the intervention (p = 0.000). Buerger Allen Exercise effectively improved protective foot sensation and may serve as a simple, safe, and low-cost nursing intervention for preventing diabetic foot complications in primary healthcare settings.