An exercise programme for patients with diabetic complications: a study on feasibility and preliminary effectiveness

Area of Science:

• Exercise science
• Diabetology
• Rehabilitation medicine

Background:

• Diabetic complications significantly impair quality of life and physical function.
• Individualized exercise interventions are needed to manage these complications effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a 12-week individualized exercise program for patients with diabetic complications.
• To evaluate the program's impact on glycemic control, muscle strength, and functional limitations.

Main Methods:

• A pre-post design study involving 22 patients from a diabetic foot outpatient clinic.
• Participants engaged in a 12-week program of aerobic and resistance exercise with safety precautions.
• Feasibility assessed via adherence, adverse events, training intensity, and satisfaction; effectiveness via HbA1c, muscle strength, and Patient Specific Function Scale.

Main Results:

• Twenty patients completed the program with 85% adherence and high satisfaction.
• No severe adverse events were reported; 70% achieved target training intensity.
• Significant improvements observed in HbA1c (8.2% to 7.8%), muscle strength (136.4 to 150.4 Nm), and perceived functional limitations (7.2 to 5.8 mm).

Conclusions:

• The individualized exercise program is feasible and well-tolerated by patients with diabetic complications.
• The program demonstrated potentially positive effects on blood glucose regulation, muscle strength, and functional capacity.
• This intervention may offer a valuable component in managing diabetic complications.