Therapeutic Effects of Photobiomodulation Combined with Exercise on Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease Plus Diabetic Foot Ulcer: A Pilot and Feasibility Study

Abstract

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) are difficult to treat and associated with poor healing outcomes. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) and exercise have shown individual benefits, but evidence on their combined effects is limited. Objective: To evaluate whether PBMT combined with resistance exercise improves wound healing and walking ability in patients with DFU and PAD. Methods: In this pilot randomized trial, 11 patients with DFU and PAD were allocated to either PBMT plus supervised exercise or exercise alone for 4 weeks. Outcome measures included wound size, skin temperature, and 6-min walking distance. Results: PBMT combined with exercise improved wound healing and walking capacity compared with baseline; however, no significant between-group differences were observed. A positive correlation was observed between post-PBMT plantar skin temperature and percentage of wound reduction. Conclusions: PBMT combined with resistance exercise may enhance wound healing and functional mobility in patients with DFU and PAD.