Vol. 5, Issue 7, Part B (2019)

Design: Experimental study.

Participants: 30 diabetic subjects will be selected from the population who fulfill the inclusion and exclusion criteria by convenient sampling. These subjects will be distributed into two groups (15 in each group).

Intervention: Control group received resistance exercises to muscles around the ankle joint using theraband and Experimental group received a protocol consisted of a 12 week supervised training program along with resistance exercises. Treatment period was about 50-60 min in each session on 3 non-consecutive days a week. Pre-test value was taken on the first day before the session and post-test value was taken on the last day after the treatment.

Outcome measures: The Outcome measures used were Goniometer, Baseline push-pull handheld dynamometer and 10 m walk test.

Results: Statistical analysis of intergroup significance by independent sample t-test for Gait speed [t=4.289>table value, t=2.048], isometric strength of right and left dorsiflexion [t=3.196 and 3.102 respectively >table value, t=2.048], isometric strength of right and left plantar flexion [t=2.539 and 3.081 respectively>table value, t=2.048], ROM of right and left dorsiflexion [t=3.638 and 3.473 respectively>table value, t=2.048], and ROM of right and left plantar flexion [t- value=3.384 and 2.954 respectively >table value, t=2.048] reveals that experimental group shows significant difference between pre-test and post-test values of gait speed, ROM and isometric strength than in control group.

Conclusion: Experimental group who received specific exercise protocol and resistance exercises shows greater improvement on limited joint mobility, muscle weakness and reduced gait speed in long term diabetes patients than those in the control group who received resistance exercises alone.