Pilot Study To Compare A Therapeutic Exercise Protocol And Neuromuscular Taping On Improving Plantar Foot Pressure Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Background: Diabetes has become one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases worldwide. Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are a common complication of diabetes as it causes peripheral neuropathy. It is estimated that up to 50% of peripheral neuropathy in patients with diabetes may be asymptomatic. Justification: The purpose of this study was to determine if the therapeutic exercise protocol and/or Neuromuscular taping can delay changes in the plantar pressure of the foot in patients with Diabetes. Methods: A two-group quasi-experimental design was used in this study; data was collected at two different points in time; pre- and post-intervention. Baropodometric was used to assess peak plantar pressure. Results: After the 8-week intervention, there were no significant differences in plantar pressure between Group 1 and Group 2 on the static and dynamic assessment of plantar pressure. Both groups showed increased static and dynamic peak pressure on M2-3 and hindfoot. There was no significant decrease in peak plantar barefoot pressure distribution after the 8-week intervention. Conclusions: This pilot study explored possible off-loading mechanism for plantar pressure. While findings lacked statistical significance, the research highlights that both static and dynamic peak plantar pressure are greater at M2-3 indicating a drop in the transverse arch of the foot on patients with diabetes. Recommendations: Periodical peak plantar pressure analysis on patients with diabetes can uncover early structural changes of the biomechanics of the foot allowing the recommendation of early off-loading treatments for the prevention of diabetic foot ulcers.