THE EFFECT OF ELECTRICAL STIMULATION ON FOOT SKIN PERFUSION IN PERSONS WITH OR AT RISK FOR DIABETIC FOOT ULCERS.
Contributors: University of California, San Francisco.
Published: 1995
Number of pages: 184
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Health Sciences, Rehabilitation and Therapy.; Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery.
Description: The primary purpose of this study was to investigate whether electrical stimulation (HVMPC, 100V, 100pps, negative polarity) would increase skin perfusion in persons with diabetes who have or are at risk for foot ulcers. Secondary purposes were to examine the effects of glucose control, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, Wagner Class, gender, ethnicity, age, and medications on skin perfusion in response to electrical stimulation (ES).

The inclusion criteria were persons with diabetes who were at least 40 years of age, did not use tobacco, were at risk of foot ulceration, had one great toe, and were English speaking. The sample was composed of 132 subjects; 55 were Black and 77 were Non-Black; 72 were male and 60 were female. Mean age of subjects was 66 years (9.6), mean duration of diabetes was 15 years (11). There were 33 ulcers in 24 subjects.

After obtaining consent, baseline TcpO$\sb2$ level was obtained, ES was applied, and TcpO$\sb2$ measurements were recorded at 30 and 60 minutes. Levels of neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, ulcer severity, gender, ethnicity, age and vasoactive medications were measured.

Data showed a mean decrease in foot TcpO$\sb2$ levels (M = 5mmHg, SD 17) in response to ES. ANOVA with post-hoc Scheffe was statistically significant (p $<$ 0.05). Moderator variables did not significantly influence skin perfusion (p $>$ 0.05). Data demonstrated two response levels; 35 (26%) subjects increased TcpO$\sb2$ (M = 14mmHg, SD 19) and 97 (72%) subjects decreased TcpO$\sb2$ (M 12mmHg, SD 9). Logistic regression did not identify any statistically significant predictors of increased TcpO$\sb2$ (p $>$ 0.05).

This treatment offers the possibility of helping a significant number of persons with diabetes to increase skin blood flow and more rapidly heal foot ulcers. Future research is needed to determine whether will ES will significantly augment standard treatment in persons with or at risk for diabetic foot ulcers.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 56-11, Section: B, page: 6033.

Thesis (PH.D.)--UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO, 1995.

School code: 0034.