Neuromuscular taping treatment of diabetic foot: a concept analysis

The definition of neuromuscular taping (NMT) has yet to be clearly analysed as a possible treatment for diabetic foot. Case studies, theoretical analysis and results of existing research may lead to varying perceptions on the definition of NMT and its possible effects on diabetic foot. This article aims to analyse the definition of the NMT concept and furthermore as a basis for future research development on diabetic foot.

The procedure for reference source search include the principal data bases using "neuromuscular taping" and "diabetic foot" keywords for the period of 2010-2019. The concept analysis uses an 8-step approach with the Walker and Avant's method.

NMT is a decompression application of an elastic tape on the skin on the diabetic foot that has the effect of reducing the inflammatory response, improving vascularity and neuromusculoskel-etal function. It aims to improve neuromusculoskeletal and lymphatic system functioning due to the presence of wrinkles, indicating dila-tion, with local effects on the sensorimotor and proprioceptive senses in conditions of care, rehabilitation and injury.

Analysis of the NMT concept on diabetic foot obtained attributes of elastic tape, skin, pain, edema, injury, sensorimotor, circulation, drainage, relaxation, local, proprioceptive, motion func-tion, strength, contraction, stabilisation, reflex, rehabilitation, care, musculoskeletal, nerve, muscles, tendons, fascia, joints, lymphatic, longitudinal, wrinkles. There were four groups of attributes, namely inflammatory response, vascularity, neuromusculoskeletal function and musculoskeletal system. NMT application benefits for diabetic foot can be attributed to improving walking function, leg position, decreasing pain response, improving body function index, improving leg muscle strength and motor function, increasing range of movement (ROM), maintaining stability of leg joint function, preventing injury, increas-ing strength and improving position of ankle joints, reducing stiffness, reducing edema and helping wound healing processes.