Effect of far infrared radiation therapy on improving microcirculation of the diabetic foot

Chi Wen Lung, Yung Sheng Lin, Yih Kuen Jan, Yu Chou Lo, Chien Liang Chen, Ben Yi Liau

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Diabetes is associated with many severe complications, such as heart disease and nerve damage. Diabetics have elevated blood glucose levels that result in peripheral neuropathy. As a result, diabetics always feel painful about their lower limbs and may need to have lower limb amputation. The diabetic foot ulcers are hard to heal and require extensive medical treatments and follow ups. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of infrared radiation therapy using a heating pad with carbon fibers (LinkWin Technology Co., Taiwan) on the diabetic foot. Ten diabetics and 4 non-diabetics were recruited for this study. The participants were assessed for their microvascular function before and after the interventions in each month for three consecutive months. The results showed that surface temperature increase by 2° after using the pad in the first and third months (p < 0.05); and blood flow increase on the plantar foot (p < 0.05) but not on the dorsal foot. The increase in blood flow may alleviate diabetic-related complications. The results of autonomic nervous testing indicated that the activity of sympathetic nervous increased after using the pad. In conclusion, the use of heating pad with far infrared radiation could improve blood flow and autonomic nervous system in diabetics, therefore improving alleviating symptoms of diabetes-related complications.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAdvances in Human Factors and Systems Interaction - Proceedings of the AHFE 2018 International Conference on Human Factors and Systems Interaction, 2018
EditorsIsabel L. Nunes
PublisherSpringer
Pages156-163
Number of pages8
ISBN (Print)9783319943336
DOIs
StatePublished - 2019
EventAHFE International Conference on Human Factors and Systems Interaction, 2018 - Orlando, United States
Duration: Jul 21 2018Jul 25 2018

Publication series

NameAdvances in Intelligent Systems and Computing
Volume781
ISSN (Print)2194-5357

Other

OtherAHFE International Conference on Human Factors and Systems Interaction, 2018
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando
Period7/21/187/25/18

Keywords

  • Autonomic nervous
  • Diabetes
  • Microcirculation
  • Plantar temperature

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • General Computer Science

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