Author(s)

Chyong-Fang Chang¹, Chang-Cheng Chang², Mei-Yen Chen^1*

¹College of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Puzi City.
²Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Puzi City.

The aim of this study was to systematically review the evidence for the effectiveness of Buerger’s exercise on the peripheral circulation or diabetic foot ulceration. A systematic search and 18 electronic databases were conducted. The intervention was predominantly focused on Buerger’s exercise as an outcome. Due to high heterogeneity, data were synthesized in a narrative format rather than by statistical methods. Nine studies that covered 592 participants were selected in the analysis, of which 8 of the 9 found an effect of Buerger’s exercise on peripheral circulation. The positive effects were indicative of improving blood flow, walking ability, reducing necrosis, reducing venous embolism, pain, swelling, cyanosis and the bed-rest times. However, the study design and quality appraisal were limited to Jadad score 2 and the sample size was small. Findings provide some evidence of the beneficial effects of Buerger’s exercises. It was seen as a low cost and low risk physical activity that most diabetic patients could undertake at home. This review highlighted a need for further investigation of standardized procedures of Buerger’s exercises. More high quality studies on the prevention of diabetic foot are required regarding Buerger’s exercises.

Buerger’s Exercises, Diabetic Foot Ulceration, Lower Extremity Circulation, Systematic Review

Chang, C. , Chang, C. and Chen, M. (2015) Effect of Buerger’s Exercises on Improving Peripheral Circulation: A Systematic Review. Open Journal of Nursing, 5, 120-128. doi: 10.4236/ojn.2015.52014.