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. 2025 Sep 15;64(18):2681-2691.
doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.4928-24. Epub 2025 Mar 29.

Scoping Review of the Health Benefits of Stretching Exercises in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Tomoko Takamiya  1 , Rokuro Ito  2 , Junko Sasaki  2 , Toshihiro Amagawa  3 , Sawako Wakui  4 , Yuko Odagiri  1 , Ryo Suzuki  2
Affiliations

Scoping Review of the Health Benefits of Stretching Exercises in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Tomoko Takamiya et al. Intern Med. .

Abstract

This study aimed to clarify the current state of research on the effects of stretching exercises on the health of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A scoping review of the literature was conducted in December 2024, using four databases. Experimental and clinical studies were included if they compared stretching exercises with non-stretching exercises for T2DM-related health outcomes. The primary search terms used were "diabetes mellitus, type 2," "muscle stretching exercises," and "range of motion, articular." Eleven studies met our inclusion criteria. Eight studies focused on blood glucose levels, one of which assessed the functional capacity. The remaining studies investigated plantar pressure, shoulder joint mobility/pain/disability, and fatigue, with one study addressing each outcome. This review indicates that stretching exercises may affect a variety of health parameters, including blood glucose regulation, in patients with T2DM but emphasizes the need for further high-quality research to determine their effectiveness.

Keywords: diabetes; exercise therapy; foot care; joint range of motion; physical activity; physical therapy.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors state that they have no Conflict of Interest (COI).

Figures

Figure.
Figure.
Flowchart of study selection.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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