Comparison of the effect of passive static stretching exercise of upper and lower extremity on blood glucose levels, functional capacity and lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Manisha Tanwar; Gitanjali Sikka; Deepak Jain; Akanksha Sharma

Manisha Tanwar College of Physiotherapy, Pt. B. D. Sharma, University of Health Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India
Gitanjali Sikka College of Physiotherapy, Pt. B. D. Sharma, University of Health Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India
Deepak Jain Department of Medicine, Pt. B. D. Sharma, University of Health Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India
Akanksha Sharma College of Physiotherapy, Pt. B. D. Sharma, University of Health Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India

Keywords: type 2 diabetes, blood glucose level, static stretching exercise, brisk walking

Abstract

Skeletal muscle is non-uniform tissue; in healthy individuals, slow twitch fibers have higher GLUT-4 density compared to fast twitch, and the reverse mechanism occurs in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Stretching exercises of various muscle groups help integrate GLUT-4, which increases metabolic activity and lowers blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Computer generated randomization of 25 participants each into 4 groups, namely Brisk walking (group l), upper limb passive static stretching (group 2), lower limb passive static stretching (group 3) and combined passive static stretching of upper and lower limb (group 4). Stretching exercises were given 4 days/week to corresponding muscle groups for 8 weeks. HbA1C, postprandial blood glucose level (PPBGL), lipid profile and 6-minute walk test were recorded at baseline, after 4 weeks and after 8 weeks of intervention. After 8 weeks of training, HbA1c and postprandial blood glucose levels reduced significantly in upper limb passive static stretching (p<0.05) compared to lower limb passive static stretching and control group (p>0.05). However, there was an insignificant improvement in lipid profile and 6-minute walk test within and between groups 1, 2, 3 and 4. The decrease in HbA1c and PPBGL levels following 8 weeks of stretching indicates that upper limb stretching had a higher impact on glucose clearance than lower limb stretching in type 2 diabetes.