Connective Tissue Reflex Massage for Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease
Author Information
Author(s): Adelaida María Castro-Sánchez, Carmen Moreno-Lorenzo, Guillermo A. Matarán-Peñarrocha, Belen Feriche-Fernández-Castanys, Genoveva Granados-Gámez, José Manuel Quesada-Rubio
Primary Institution: University of Almeria
Hypothesis
The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of connective tissue massage to improve blood circulation and intermittent claudication symptoms in type 2 diabetic patients.
Conclusion
Connective tissue massage improves blood circulation in the lower limbs of type 2 diabetic patients at stage I or II-a and may be useful to slow the progression of peripheral arterial disease.
Supporting Evidence
- After the 15-week program, significant improvements were observed in differential segmental arterial pressure and skin blood flow.
- At 6 months and 1 year, the groups continued to differ in arterial pressure measurements.
- The massage group showed significant improvements in walking distance scores compared to the placebo group.
Takeaway
This study found that a special type of massage can help people with diabetes improve blood flow in their legs, which is important for their health.
Methodology
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial with 98 type 2 diabetes patients assigned to either a massage group or a placebo group, measuring various parameters before and after treatment.
Potential Biases
The lack of blinding for therapists may have influenced outcomes.
Limitations
Patients continued their usual medication during the massage program, and therapists were not blinded to group allocation.
Participant Demographics
The study included 58 females and 40 males with a mean age of 53.57 years.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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