The effects of auricular acupuncture on vascular parameters on the risk factors for diabetic foot: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Aims and objectives: To evaluate the effects of auricular acupuncture on vascular parameters on the risk factors for Diabetic Foot.

Methods: Randomized and masked clinical trial. The sample was composed of 44 individuals with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and they were randomly assigned to two groups: intervention (n = 22), which received five sessions of auricular acupuncture, and control (n = 22), which did not receive the therapy. Three evaluations were performed: before the intervention; one day after the last acupuncture session and 15 days after the second evaluation. For this, the subject's characterization instrument, the Ankle-Brachial Index measurement, and thermography were used. For data analysis, Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon, Wilcoxon signed-rank, Fisher's Exact and Chi-Square tests were used.

Results: Auriculotherapy provided results in the Ankle-Brachial Index Test, as well as in thermography, which showed significant temperature improvement.

Conclusions: The technique proved to be efficient in improving circulatory conditions and plantar temperature.

Keywords: Acupuncture; Ear. diabetes mellitus; Nursing; Rehabilitation; Type 2. diabetic foot.