Hand and foot exercises for diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A randomized controlled trial

Exercises for diabetic peripheral neuropathy remain controversial, especially with regard to recommended precautions and weightbearing exercises for individuals. We aimed to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of simple hand, finger, and foot exercises in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. After randomization, exercise (n = 51) and control (n = 53) groups received usual care and diabetic foot care education; only the exercise group performed exercises. Primary outcomes, including activities of daily living (assessed using the Patient Neurotoxicity Questionnaire), neuropathy severity (monofilament and vibration test), and pain (behavioral rating scale and Visual Analog Scale), and secondary outcomes, including physical function of the hand and foot (grip, pinch, finger counting time, and Timed Up and Go tests), were assessed at baseline, after the 8-week intervention, and at the 16-week follow-up. The exercise group showed significantly stronger improvements in motor score and specific activities of daily living, such as climbing stairs and performing work or chores. Our exercises can be used to improve limb function in patients with diabetic neuropathy.