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ABSTRACT

Musculoskeletal issues affecting the upper limbs are prevalent in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), impacting daily life significantly. Despite advances in diabetes care, research into upper limb complications remains limited, with most studies focusing on lower limb interventions. This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effects of resistance training (RT) and sensorimotor training (SMT) on functional disability and manual dexterity in the upper limbs of 96 T2DM patients over a six-week intervention period, with follow-up at nine weeks. Significant differences were observed in Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) scores: RT versus control (MD = 7.25 ± 2.43 vs. 1.31 ± 0.89, p < 0.05) and SMT versus control (MD = 2.62 ± 0.81 vs. 1.31 ± 0.89, p < 0.05). RT also outperformed SMT (MD = 4.62 ± 1.67 vs. 2.62 ± 0.81, p < 0.05). Conversely, Box and Block Test (BBT) scores favored SMT over RT (MD = -5.40 ± 0.81 vs. 1.18 ± 0.14, p < 0.05) and control (MD = 6.59 ± 1.97 vs. -0.75 ± 0.44, p < 0.05), while RT showed improvement compared to the control group (MD = 1.18 ± 0.14 vs. -0.75 ± 0.44, p < 0.05). These findings highlight the differential effectiveness of RT and SMT in improving shoulder pain and function (SPADI) and hand dexterity (BBT) outcomes in T2DM patients. Clinicians can use these insights to tailor rehabilitation strategies more effectively, addressing specific upper limb challenges in diabetic patients to enhance their quality of life. Keywords: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, upper limb, training, disability, manual dexterity, India