Dept. of Physical Therapy, School of Allied Health Professions, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, USA
*Corresponding author: Kanikkai Steni Balan Sackiriyas, Professions, 24951 North Circle Drive, Room no A620, Nichol Hall, Loma Linda University-School of Allied Health, Loma Linda, CA 92350, Cell (909) 991–5445, E-mail: stenidsc@yahoo.com
Online published on 20 November, 2014.
Aim: Assess the effect of passive vibration (PV) on skin blood flow (SBF) in persons with good glycemic control (GGC) and poor glycemic control (PGC) type 2 diabetes.
Method: Fifteen GGC (HbA1c < 7.5%) and twelve PGC (HbA1c > 9%) individuals with type 2 diabetes received PV using Power Plate® to their calf and plantar area of foot. The SBF was measured using a MOOR full-field Laser perfusion imager before, immediately after vibration and 10 minutes post the PV application.
Results: There was a significant difference in the mean SBF for the calf area from baseline to immediately after vibration in both groups. The mean calf SBF was almost doubled in GGC group from baseline (38.9 flux) to immediately after vibration (69.5 flux) (p=.03). The mean calf area SBF was more than doubled in PGC group from baseline (32.9 flux) to immediately after vibration (77.9 flux) (p=.02). However, there was no significant change in mean SBF over time for the foot area in both groups (p<.05). Baseline resting SBF was higher in foot than calf for both groups. The percent change from baseline to immediately after vibration in the calf area SBF was higher in PGC (132.6%) than the GGC group (76%). The SBF in the foot area showed a higher percent increase in the GGC (72.3%) than the PGC group (32.1%).
Conclusion: Passive vibration may be an effective therapy for increasing lower extremity circulation in persons with GGC and PGC diabetes.
Vibration, Circulation, Hemodynamic hypothesis, Vasomotion, Glycemic control
