Age-Stratified Effects of Exercise on Foot Posture, Balance and Functional Performance in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus : Randomized Controlled Trial
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37506/7wmvb815Keywords:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus, exercise therapy, foot posture, balance, functional performance, aging.Abstract
Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with impairments in foot posture, balance, and functional
performance, which may be further influenced by aging. However, age-related differences in response to exercise
interventions remain insufficiently explored.
Objective: To evaluate age-stratified effects of a structured exercise program on foot posture, balance, and functional
performance in individuals with T2DM.
Methods: In this controlled, age-stratified study, 54 participants with T2DM were allocated to an exercise (n=27) or control
group (n=27) and further stratified into middle-aged (40–59 years) and older (60–80 years) subgroups. The intervention
consisted of an 8-week structured physiotherapy program. Outcomes included Foot Posture Index (FPI), static balance
(center of gravity sway on firm surface), dynamic balance (Limits of Stability), and functional performance (6-minute walk
test), assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks.
Results: The exercise group demonstrated significant improvements in foot posture, balance, and functional performance
compared to controls (p < 0.05). FPI scores improved toward neutral alignment, while static and dynamic balance showed
reduced sway and enhanced stability. Functional performance improved significantly, exceeding clinically meaningful
thresholds. Age-stratified analysis revealed greater improvements in foot posture among middle-aged participants, whereas
balance and functional gains were observed across both age groups, with comparable improvements in older adults.
Conclusion: Structured exercise significantly improves foot posture, balance, and functional performance in individuals
with T2DM. While age influences the magnitude of structural adaptation, functional and balance improvements are
preserved in older adults, supporting the use of exercise interventions across age groups.
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