A scoping review on targeted hand exercise interventions for hand function in diabetes mellitus

Abstract

            Diabetes Mellitus (DM) can lead to functional impairments in hands due to limited joint mobility and diabetic neuropathy. Hand exercises are essential to mitigate these impairments. Incorporation of hand exercise program is crucial in maintaining the functional skills and prevention of deterioration of hand function in persons with DM. This scoping review was conducted to identify all available standardized hand exercise programs which have been developed and used in DM.

               A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane library and Google Scholar with key words diabetes mellitus, diabetic neuropathy, limited joint mobility, hand exercises and diabetic hand. Articles focusing on hand specific exercises and involving adults with DM were included, while non-English articles and those not related to hand function were excluded.

               Eighteen articles were retrieved and after initial screening of title and abstract, seven articles were found relevant. Out of these seven relevant articles, five were selected for the scoping review based on the selection criteria. Out of five, three were randomized control trials and two were pretest-post test control design. The reported interventions were strengthening and stretching exercises along with functional exercises or proprioceptive exercises or task-oriented biofeedback or tendon gliding exercises.

             There is a need for structured exercise program for hands which consider training in hand muscle strength, dexterity, joint mobility and functional activities.