Immediate effect of foot reflexology in patients with diabetic neuropathy -Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Introduction. Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is one of the most frequent chronic complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). One technique capable of influencing the central and peripheral nervous system is foot reflexology (FR). Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the immediate effect of FR in DN type 2 patients. Method. This was a randomized controlled clinical trial, with 12 participants selected from a list of diabetic patients from the Basic Health Units of the city of Alfenas-MG. The sample consisted of two groups: Control Group (n=5) and Intervention Group (n=7). The instruments used were: surface electromyography for analysis of the lateral and medial gastrocnemius muscles, baropodometry to evaluate the balance from the variables of mean pressure and mass division, and the cardiofrequency meter to analyze the relationship between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system and cardiovascular stress. Statistical analysis was used the Shapiro-Wilk test and later the independent t test and Mann Whitney for intergroup comparison. Results. There was only a difference in the EMG of the right lateral gastrocnemius muscle (p=0.04). Conclusion. It was concluded that FR was able to generate response in muscle electrical activity, besides influencing the balance of DN2 patients.