Optimizing Lower Limb Perfusion in Children With Diabetes Mellitus Through Buerger Allen Exercise

Abstract

Background: The prevention of severe foot and lower limb complications in childhood diabetes mellitus requires close attention of nursing care and regular glycemic control.

Aim: To examine the influence of Buerger–Allen exercises on lower limb perfusion among diabetic children.

Methods: A quasi-experimental study was carried out in endocrinology and pediatric intermediate intensive care units at Assiut University Children’s Hospital from November 2024 to July 2025. Sixty children with diabetes were recruited purposely and allocated to study and control groups. A structured questionnaire was used to gather demographic and medical history data, in addition to a tissue perfusion assessment tool which included biomarkers of local tissue perfusion (oxygen saturation, skin temperature and capillary refill time) and ankle brachial index scale

Results: Post-intervention showed statistically significant differences (P < 0.001) between the study and control groups  in all the parameters measured including ABI, oxygen saturation , local skin temperature and capillary refill time.

Conclusion: Buerger-Allen exercises represent a beneficial nursing strategy to maximize the peripheral circulation and lower limb perfusion among pediatric diabetic patients.

Recommendation: Future research with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up duration is recommended to evaluate long-term vascular outcomes. Additionally, multicenter pediatric studies cross different healthcare settings are encouraged to enhance generalizability.