Effectiveness of Non-Weight Bearing Exercise on Functional Capacity in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Peripheral Neuropathy: An Experimental Study

BACKGROUND: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and its complications such as Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) contribute to significant impairments in mobility and quality of life. Non-weight bearing (NWB) exercises have emerged as effective interventions to mitigate these limitations without further aggravating lower extremity complications OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a structured NWB exercise program in improving functional mobility among patients with Type 2 DM and DPN. METHODS: This experimental study included 20 participants selected via convenient sampling. Participants performed supervised NWB exercises (stationary cycling, resistance band workouts) four times weekly for five weeks. Functional capacity was measured using the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS: Post-intervention, the mean 6MWD increased from 488.75 m (SD = 17.98) to 567 m (SD = 19.56), indicating significant improvement in endurance and functional mobility (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: NWB exercises offer a safe, effective, and feasible option for improving mobility and physical function in diabetic individuals with peripheral neuropathy.