Effects of Progressive Upper-limb Resistance Training on Glycaemic Control and Functional Health in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

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.