Reduced Balance Confidence Significantly Mediates Fear of Falling Avoidance Behavior and Effectiveness of Balance Training in Older Adults With Type II Diabetes

Despite the physical and psychological deficits associated with diabetes, individuals with chronic diabetes are capable of improving balance confidence and performance through targeted training. Balance confidence was identified as an important mediating factor, explaining the relationship between diabetes disease status and activity-related psycho-physical outcomes. Future research should focus on the potentially self-reinforcing effects of psycho-physical gains induced by exercise training.