The Effect of the Physiotherapy Program for Diabetic Individuals on Dexterity, Proprioception, and Functionality

The Effect of the Physiotherapy Program Developed for the Upper Extremity in Diabetic Individuals on Dexterity, Proprioception, and Functionality

The goal of our research titled "The effect of the exercise program developed for the upper extremity in diabetic individuals on dexterity, grip strength and proprioception" is to examine the effect of the exercise program created for upper extremity problems in diabetic individuals on dexterity, wrist proprioception and upper extremity functionality. Secondary aims of our study; the exercise program created for upper extremity problems; to investigate the effects of grip strength, neuropathic pain, light touch, proprioception, muscle viscoelastic properties, anxiety and depression levels and quality of life of individuals.

The strength of different grip types will be measured, and an evaluation will be made in a short time from the muscle surface with a device called MyotonPro to determine the characteristics of the muscles in hands and arms. In addition to these, 6 separate questionnaires will evaluate the functionality of hands, wrists and upper extremities, pain level, satisfaction level, difficulty level in daily living activities, neuropathic pain problems, depression and anxiety levels and quality of life. In addition, different senses in the upper extremity and hand-wrist will be tested. These measurements will take 1 hour in total and will be repeated 3 times at 6-week intervals. Participant will divide on 2 groups and treatment group will perform exercises with physiotherapist and control group will take conventional physiotherapy program for diabetes. Comparison will be between groups.

• 12 weeks/ 3 days a week/ 40 minutes of physiotherapy program will be planned. Patients will complete the exercises with a physiotherapist once a week, and home programs given as homework according to weekly targets will be checked by phone calls twice a week. In the first session, information about diabetes will be given and training will be given.
• Content of the exercises; There will be warm-up exercises, pinch grip, full grip, nerve and tendon gliding exercises, exercises that improve proprioception, functional exercises, strengthening exercises and stretching exercises. Control group will be in conventional physiotherapy program once a week as treatment group. The program is going to include aerobic exercise recommendation and basic stretching and strengthening exercises focusing upper extremity muscles.

This research will shed light on the rehabilitation programs to be planned for problems involving the hand in individuals with diabetes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Volunteering to participate in the research
• Being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes according to the criteria of the American Diabetes Association (ADA)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Insufficient cognitive level
• Traumatic nerve injury
• Presence of congenital anomaly in the upper extremity
• Presence of systematic disease (eg rheumatologic)
• Having a problem involving the neurological system
• Having undergone surgery involving the upper extremity in the last 6 months