Effect of self-Thai foot massage on range of motion of ankle and first metatarsophalangeal joints in type 2 diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy

Abstract

A diabetic patient with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is characterized by a poor range of motion of foot. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine whether self-traditional Thai foot massage could improve range of motion of foot in these group of patients. Twenty-five diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy. Each subject was randomly assigned into two treatments as: 1) self-Thai foot massage (STFM) followed by Thai foot massage by a massage therapist (FM) and 2) FM followed by STFM with a washout period of one week. Active and passive range of motion of ankle and foot were measured by the program of Kinovea before and immediately after a single treatment. After massage, almost all directions of range of motion of ankle and 1^st metatarsophalangeal foot were significantly increased in both groups (p<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference between groups (p>0.05). Both self-massage and massage by therapist of Thai foot massages could improve range of motion of foot. Therefore, Thai foot massage could be a promising alternative primary health care for this group of patient.