title: Therapeutic effects of connective tissue manipulation on wound healing and bacterial colonization count among patients with diabetic foot ulcer.
abstract: This study investigated the therapeutic effects of connective tissue manipulation (CTM) in diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). A total of 20 participants (10 in CTM group and 10 in conventional treatment group (CG)) with DFU underwent the conventional DFU treatment. In addition, the CTM group received CTM twice per week for 6 weeks. The percentage wound area reduction (PWAR) and bacterial colonization count (BCC) in log10 colony-forming units (CFU) per ml wound fluid was evaluated at baseline and six weeks. Results showed a significant change in PWAR in CTM (p < 0.05, t = 3.82, Df = 9, CI L = 0.98 U = 3.81) and CG (p < 0.05, t = 2.97, Df = 9,CI L = 0.26 U = 1.98). Mean reduction of BCC showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05), with percentage of BCC reduction higher in CTM group (6.45%) than CG (3.55%). The findings suggest CTM as an effective adjunct therapy for DFU to enhance conventional treatments.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand; Physiotherapy Programme, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Electronic address: leonardjoseph85@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Leonard Henry
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Joseph
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, 50200, Thailand.
authors.forename: Aatit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Paungmali
authors.affiliation: Health and Social Care Institute, School of Health and Social Care, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dixon
authors.affiliation: Health and Social Care Institute, School of Health and Social Care, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Liz
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Holey
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Amaramalar Selvi
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Naicker
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Ohnmar
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Htwe
mesh_terms: D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000502:physiology*; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026201:Musculoskeletal Manipulations / Q000379:methods*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Connective tissue manipulation; Diabetes; Physiotherapy; Rehabilitation; Ulcer