Effect of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Therapy on Healing of Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Background: Foot ulcer is the most common complication that leads to amputation in diabetic patients. Purpose: To study the effect of intermittent pneumatic compression therapy (IPCT) in enhancing healing of chronic diabetic foot ulcer. Methods: Thirty-eight patients (13 men & 25 women) with type II diabetes and foot ulcer grade ІІ according to Wagner classification were recruited to participate in this study. They were classified into two groups; study group consisted of 18 patients (9 men and 9 women) and control group consisted of 20 patients (4 men and 16 women). The mean values of their ages were 53.83±2.50 years and 56.60±3.40 years respectively. Both groups received standard medical wound care for diabetic foot ulcer, in addition, the study group received a sequential IPCT for 120 minutes, three times/week for 8 weeks at inflation pressure 70 mmHg. Ulcer surface area was measured in squared centimeter by photographing it and using ImageJ software before and after the study period. Results: The results of this study revealed statistically significant improvement in wound surface area measurement in patients of the study group while non-significant change was observed in patients of the control group. Conclusions: IPCT is a useful adjunct to the standard medical wound care of chronic diabetic foot ulcer to enhance healing and avoid long term complications.