A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF VIBRATION AND ELECTRICAL STIMULATION THERAPIES ON THE ACCELERATION OF WOUND HEALING IN DIABETIC ULCERS
ABSTRACT: Diabetic ulcers
accompanied by ischemia is difficult to treat. Such ulcers require therapy that
can improve the blood flow. Previous studies have revealed that two therapies
could improve blood flow and accelerate the healing of diabetic ulcers;
vibration and electrical stimulation (ES). However, it is unknown which of
these two therapies is best at accelerating wound healing in diabetic ulcers.
The purpose of this study was to compare both therapies in relation to
accelerating the wound healing of diabetic ulcers. Methods: This study was an
experimental study involving diabetic rats. The rats were divided into two
groups: vibration and ES. Vibration and ES were applied for 10 minutes per day
for 7 days. Wound size, inflammation, intensity of fibroblast infiltration,
area of necrosis and degree of re-epithelialisation were compared. The difference
in wound size was analysed using an independent t-test, while the histological
data were analysed using a Mann-Whitney U-test. Results: On day 5 onwards,
there was a thin slough in the ES group which was not present in the vibration
group. Day 4 onwards and the wound size was significantly smaller in the
vibration group than in the ES group. The intensity of inflammation was
significantly less, and the degree of fibroblast infiltration was significantly
higher in the vibration group compared with the ES group. Re-epithelialisation
was more advanced in the vibration group than the ES group. Conclusions: Our
study revealed that wound healing in diabetic ulcers following vibration was
better than after ES. We suggest that nurses should use vibration rather than
ES in clinical settings.
KEYWORDS: complementary
therapy, diabetic ulcer, electrical stimulation, vibration, wound healing
Author: Yunita Sari, S.
Saryono, Eman Sutrisna, H. Hartono
Journal Code: jpkesmasgg170042
