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Received: 2026/11/9 | Accepted: 2025/04/10
Received: 2026/11/9 | Accepted: 2025/04/10
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1- Department of Critical Care Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. , baharmahmmodi@yahoo.com
2- Assistant Professor, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Community Nursing Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.
3- Department of Critical Care Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2- Assistant Professor, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Community Nursing Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran.
3- Department of Critical Care Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract (20 Views)
Introduction: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a debilitating complication of diabetes, and its clinical management depends on accurate assessment of initial ulcer severity. Although lower-extremity functional indices may be associated with load distribution and ulcer status, evidence regarding their independent relationship with initial ulcer severity remains limited. This study aimed to determine the association between lower-extremity functional indices and initial ulcer severity in patients with DFU.
Methods: In this analytical cross-sectional study, 60 patients with DFU referred to Bou-Ali Hospital in Zahedan were evaluated. Functional variables included ankle range of motion, muscle strength, functional mobility, single-leg balance, and protective foot sensation. Ulcer severity was assessed based on ulcer size and Wagner grade. Multiple linear regression and ordinal logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between functional variables and ulcer severity.
Results: None of the functional indices examined showed a statistically significant independent association with ulcer size or Wagner grade. The multivariable models demonstrated low explanatory power, and sensitivity analysis confirmed the findings of the primary models. Thus, insufficient statistical evidence was found to support an association between these functional indices and initial ulcer severity.
Conclusion: No independent association was identified between lower-extremity functional indices and initial DFU severity. Given the multifactorial nature of DFU, these findings should not be interpreted as definitive evidence against the potential role of functional factors in ulcer pathophysiology. Larger longitudinal studies are warranted to clarify the contribution of biomechanical factors to the progression of DFU.
Methods: In this analytical cross-sectional study, 60 patients with DFU referred to Bou-Ali Hospital in Zahedan were evaluated. Functional variables included ankle range of motion, muscle strength, functional mobility, single-leg balance, and protective foot sensation. Ulcer severity was assessed based on ulcer size and Wagner grade. Multiple linear regression and ordinal logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between functional variables and ulcer severity.
Results: None of the functional indices examined showed a statistically significant independent association with ulcer size or Wagner grade. The multivariable models demonstrated low explanatory power, and sensitivity analysis confirmed the findings of the primary models. Thus, insufficient statistical evidence was found to support an association between these functional indices and initial ulcer severity.
Conclusion: No independent association was identified between lower-extremity functional indices and initial DFU severity. Given the multifactorial nature of DFU, these findings should not be interpreted as definitive evidence against the potential role of functional factors in ulcer pathophysiology. Larger longitudinal studies are warranted to clarify the contribution of biomechanical factors to the progression of DFU.