Effects of Progressive Upper-limb Resistance Training on Glycaemic Control and Functional Health in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Yuthika Rao *
MG Physiotherapy College, MGUMST, Jaipur, India.
Manisha Saharan
Department of Physiotherapy, Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth University, Udaipur, India.
Shailendra Mehta
Department of Physiotherapy, Janardan Rai Nagar Rajasthan Vidyapeeth University, Udaipur, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: To evaluate the effects of a 12-week Progressive Upper-Limb Resistance Training (PULRT) program on glycaemic control, muscular strength, and functional capacity in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).
Study Design: A randomized controlled trial.
Place and Duration of Study: Conducted at Mahatma Gandhi Physiotherapy College in collaboration with a diabetic outpatient clinic, from February 2025 to April 2025.
Methodology: Sixty adults diagnosed with T2DM were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n=30) receiving supervised PULRT or a control group (n=30) receiving standard care. The intervention included thrice-weekly sessions for 12 weeks focusing on major upper-limb muscle groups, with progressive resistance based on one-repetition maximum (1RM). Primary outcome measures were glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose, upper-limb strength (1RM test and Arm Curl Test), and functional capacity (6-minute walk test). Assessments were conducted at baseline and at 12 weeks.
Results: Fifty-four participants completed the study (intervention = 27; control = 27). The intervention group showed a significant reduction in HbA1c (mean decrease of 0.8%; p<0.01) and fasting glucose levels (p<0.01) compared to the control group. Upper-limb strength improved by 30% (p<0.001) as measured by the 1RM and Arm Curl Tests". Functional capacity, as measured by the 6-minute walk test, also demonstrated a significant increase (p<0.01) in the intervention group.
Conclusion: The 12-week PULRT protocol significantly improved glycaemic control, upper-limb muscular strength, and functional capacity in adults with T2DM. This approach can be considered a practical and non-pharmacological adjunct to standard diabetes management.
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, upper-limb resistance training, decreased muscle strength, abnormal glucose metabolism