Evidence Summary
What is an Evidence Summary?
Key messages from scientific research that's ready to be acted on
Got It, Hide thisExercise improves balance, lower limb strength and gait in older adults with diabetes
Chapman A, Meyer C, Renehan E, et al. Exercise interventions for the improvement of falls-related outcomes among older adults with diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analyses Journal of Diabetes and Its Complications. 2016; doi: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2016.09.015
Review question
Does exercise decrease falls and improve balance, strength and gait in older adults with diabetes?
Background
The risk of diabetes, falling and injuries due to a fall all increase with age. People with diabetes have an increased risk of falling due, in part, to peripheral neuropathy (loss of feeling/movement in the foot and ankle). After a fall, a person may develop a fear of falling and reduce the amount they exercise. However, previous research shows that exercise may help to reduce the risk of falls in older adults.
How the review was done
This is a review of 16 studies including 889 participants. Of these, 10 randomized controlled trials were combined in a meta-analysis. All studies were published between 2003 and 2015.
- The average age of participants was 68 years old. All participants had a diagnosis of diabetes.
- The amount of exercise in the included studies ranged from 90-180 minutes (1 ½ to 3 hours) per week with exercise sessions two to three times per week and 45-60 minutes per session. The shortest exercise period was four weeks; the longest was 2 years.
- Exercise programs varied and included aerobic exercise, balance training, resistance exercise and/or strength training and tai chi programs. Most studies included balance and lower limb strength training.
- All programs were centre-based, supervised by physiotherapists and/or members of the research team. Only one study also included a home-based program.
- Researchers measured the risk of falling, number of falls, balance, gait and muscle strength among people in exercise programs.
- Results were compared to people in control groups who had the usual care (no exercise training other than their usual amount of exercise) and/or received health education about diabetes management.
What the researchers found
People with diabetes who participated in supervised exercise programs showed significant improvements in balance, lower limb (knee and ankle) strength and gait compared to people in control groups. Exercise may also reduce the risk of falling among healthy older adults with type 2 diabetes.
Conclusion
Supervised exercise programs – such as strength and resistance training – improves balance, lower limb (knee and ankle) strength and gait in older adults with diabetes.
Glossary
A group that receives either no treatment or a standard treatment.
Advanced statistical methods contrasting and combining results from different studies.
nerve pain
Studies where people are assigned to one of the treatments purely by chance.
Related Evidence Summaries
-
Self-monitoring reduces blood-sugar levels in patients with non-insulin-treated Type 2 diabetes
Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology (2018) -
Culturally appropriate health education for people in ethnic minority groups with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2014) -
Self-monitoring of blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who are not using insulin
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2012)
Register for free access to all Professional content
RegisterOur Content
About
Support for the Portal is largely provided by the Labarge Optimal Aging Initiative. AGE-WELL is a contributing partner. Help us to continue to provide direct and easy access to evidence-based information on health and social conditions to help you stay healthy, active and engaged as you grow older. Donate Today.
