Effect of stretching exercises on blood gluocse levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a brief review

Diabetes has become worldwide pandemic. Among the diabetic population 90-95% patients have type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The development of T2DM can be slowed down by modification in lifestyle through physical activities such as brisk walking, physical body movement and adopting proper balanced diet. Various physical exercises such as aerobic exercises, resistance exercises, high intensity interval training performed regularly can help with management of blood glucose level, lipid profile, blood pressure, quality of life and cardiovascular complications. Geriatric patients with type 2 diabetes are either extremely frail, wheelchair bound, or bed bound and do not have sufficient physical work capacity to exercise aerobically and with high resistance. Static stretching of the skeletal muscles accrues the benefits of exercise without its accompanying physical stress as in case of aerobic exercise and resisted exercises. Several studies have shown that stretching helps in lowering the blood glucose level in patients with T2DM immediately after the intervention. Till date there are no definitive guidelines are present for stretching exercises as treatment protocol for reduction of blood glucose level and HbA1c level in patients with T2DM. In order to establish a definitive stretching protocol in patients with T2DM and for individual based exercise to be decided further research needs to be conducted

Post-operative rehabilitation of displaced-proximal radius fracture: a case study

Proximal radial fractures typically occur after a fall on the outstretched hand. Elbow trauma is usually followed by post-traumatic elbow stiffness, which has been recognized as a major cause of functional impairment. A stiff elbow restricts patient’s ability to position hand in space required, for desired use of the upper extremities during activity of daily living. The goal of rehabilitation, post-traumatic elbow stiffness is to restore functional arc of motion. The patient treatment should be designed depending on the severity, type and time course of the arthrofibrosis. Since, there is no universally recognized treatment algorithm, treatment must be personalized/customized and stipulated through a shared decision-making process with each patient. Fourty four-year female was diagnosed with post – operative elbow stiffness following a displaced proximal one-third of radius fracture (right side). The patient had decreased muscle strength and limited shoulder, elbow and wrist range of motion, hypersensitivity around the scar and wrist and elbow pain. Progressive multi-treatment rehabilitation approach was given to the patient. Physical therapy intervention improved range of motion, strength, decreased hypersensitivity and pain of the patient as well as aided in quick recovery from stiff elbow