A randomized clinical trial (Feb–Jul 2025, n=60 hospitalized adults) compared 15° foot elevation for 24 hours vs. supine positioning (control) on tissue oxygenation in diabetic foot ulcers, measuring TcPO2, ABI, TBI, and toe pressure.
15° foot elevation improved all four outcomes vs. supine: TcPO2 +5.26 vs. −5.6 mmHg (p=0.027), ABI +0.14 vs. −0.11 (p=0.002), TBI +0.17 vs. −0.14 (p=0.008), and toe pressure +18.5 vs. −15 mmHg (p=0.005).
Small sample (n=60) recruited by convenience sampling limits generalizability; single-center inpatient setting may not reflect outpatient or home care populations; 24-hour timeframe leaves longer-term effects unknown.
Consider 15° foot elevation as a simple, no-cost adjunct for hospitalized patients with diabetic foot ulcers to improve perfusion. This maneuver may also be taught to patients for home care use.
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