Early mobilization program with nonweight-bearing brace improves functional capacity after diabetic foot ulcer surgery: a randomized controlled trial

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of early mobilization program with nonweight-bearing braces in improving functional outcomes and clinical indicators after diabetic foot ulcer surgery.MethodsWe conducted a randomized trial involving patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) who underwent surgery at a tertiary university hospital. Participants were randomized to receive either early mobilization with nonweight-bearing braces or standard rehabilitation care. The primary outcome was the ability to walk a distance of three meters without human assistance upon hospital discharge. Secondary outcomes included activity of daily living (ADL), measured by the Barthel Index survey; reduction in lean body mass, assessed via thigh circumference on postoperative day 10 (POD 10); length of stay (LOS); and the incidence of postoperative complications such as deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pain, and wound dehiscence.ResultsA total of 46 patients were enrolled, with 23 assigned to the early mobilization program with nonweight-bearing braces (intervention group) and 23 to the standard rehabilitation care group (control group). The primary outcome was achieved in 16 patients (69.6%) in the intervention group and 6 patients (26.1%) in the control group [RD43.5%, 95%CI (17.5%,69.5%); P = 0.003]. The intervention group demonstrated improved outcomes in ADL. Additionally, the intervention facilitated earlier discharge with a LOS of 12 days in the intervention group compared to 18 days in the control group.ConclusionAn early postoperative mobilization program with nonweight-bearing brace is demonstrated to be feasible and effective in improving functional capacity in patients with diabetic foot ulcers undergoing surgery.