Immediate Effect of Self-Thai Foot Massage (STFM) on Balance and Ankle Joint Proprioception in Type II Diabetic Patients with Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN): A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Saw Mya Soe

Human Movement Sciences, School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kean University, Khon Kaen, Thailand

Sawitri Wanpen

School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kean University, Khon Kaen, Thailand

Thiwabhorn Thaweewannakit

School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kean University, Khon Kaen, Thailand

Punnee Peungsuwan

School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kean University, Khon Kaen, Thailand

Uraiwan Chatchawan

School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kean University, Khon Kaen, Thailand

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14456/apst.2025.14

Keywords: Self-Thai foot massage Standard foot care Balance Proprioception

Abstract

Standard treatments for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and peripheral neuropathy (DPN) typically include foot care and exercise programs. Self-Thai Foot Massage has been proposed as an alternative therapy for managing this condition. This study investigated the immediate effects of the single intervention of Self-Thai Foot Massage on balance and proprioception of the ankle joint in T2DM with DPN. Ninety patients were recruited and randomly assigned to either the experimental group (EG), receiving Self-Thai Foot Massage and Standard Foot Care, or the comparable group (CG), receiving only Standard Foot Care. Both groups received a single 50-minute treatment. Balance was assessed using the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (MBT), ankle joint proprioception was measured using the Ankle Joint Proprioception (JPS) test, foot sensation was evaluated using the Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Test (SWMT), and the active/passive range of motion of the ankle was measured using the Kinovea program, both before and immediately after a single treatment. The independent t-tests and Two-sample Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare post-treatment data between treatment groups. The EG and CG groups showed significant improvements in all outcome measures from baseline to immediately after the first treatment (p<0.05). The EG group demonstrated greater improvements than the CG group in almost all variables (p<0.05), except for active ankle range of motion in dorsiflexion on the left side. This study highlights the potential benefits of Self-Thai Foot Massage for immediate improvements in balance and proprioception of ankle joint, foot sensation, and ankle range of motion among these patients.

How to Cite

Saw Mya Soe, Wanpen, S., Thaweewannakit, T., Peungsuwan, P., & Chatchawan, U. (2025). Immediate Effect of Self-Thai Foot Massage (STFM) on Balance and Ankle Joint Proprioception in Type II Diabetic Patients with Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN): A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Asia-Pacific Journal of Science and Technology, 30(01), APST–30. https://doi.org/10.14456/apst.2025.14

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