The Effectiveness of Lower Extremity 45° on Ankle Brachial Index (ABI); A Quasi-Experimental Study

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus has always experienced a dramatic increase in the number of patients contributing to an increase in the number of patients with prolonged diabetic foot ulcers. One adjunctive treatment that can be given to improve vascularization is lower extremity elevation. The aim of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of lower Extremity Elevation at 45° on Ankle Brachial Index (ABI). Method: This study employed a quasi-experimental research design with an approach of pre post test control group design, with a total sample of 60 Participants who were divided into two groups. The control group was given standard wound care using modern dressing. While the intervention group was given standard wound care using a modern dressing that was added with the lower extremity elevation at 45° for 15 minutes. The sampling technique used was simple random sampling with a bivariate analysis using Independent test. The elevation tool used was independently created by researcher using stainless materials that have been tested for accuracy. Which means that to emphasize the accuracy of the tool, several experts in wound/ulcers care expertise were involved. As for the tool to measure ABI, the researcher used Doppler which is already in a form of a product that scientifically have been declared valid and reliable. Results: The elevation of Lower extremity as high as 45° has a statistical significance with a value (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The elevation of the lower extremity at 45° can increase venous return (VR) in patients with diabetic foot Ulcers