Effects of Foot Massage Using Traditional Tools on Foot Numbness in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis

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Nakarin Asiphong
Prapassara Sirikarn
Siriporn Kamsa-ard
Duangjai Phormpayak

Abstract

Foot numbness leads to foot amputation for diabetic patients (0.2–1.6%). Foot massage can help to relieve foot numbness. Several studies have investigated the effects of foot massage using traditional tools on foot numbness among diabetic patients. The current study conducted a systematic review to summarize the effects of foot massage using traditional tools on foot numbness. Studies were searched for from multiple sources. Of the 1,231 records identified, 6 were eligible. Eligible studies were assessed for risk of bias and certainty of evidence. In a meta-analysis, Review Manager 5 was used to summarize the results. The included studies were analyzed using a fixed effects model, and the results showed that the diabetic patients receiving foot massage using traditional tools had fewer points of foot numbness than those in the control group. The standardized mean difference was -1.14 (95% CI: -1.40 to -0.88, I2 = 0%). The findings indicate that foot massage with traditional tools could relieve numbness in diabetic patients; however, the evidence is unclear due to a high risk of bias and a very low level of certainty. The effects of traditional foot massage tools on foot numbness in diabetic patients should be further studied using a randomized controlled trial and a clearly described research methodology.

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References

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