- Six-week MDR programme plus guided breathing significantly increased exercise capacity; 6MWT distance improved by 24.2 m versus 4.6 m (P < 0.001).
- MDR markedly improved sleep quality and reduced fatigue as shown by significant PSQI and FAS score reductions (P = 0.001; P < 0.001).
- Quality of life improved; MDR with breathing exercises is a promising non-pharmacological adjunct for older adults with well controlled T2DM.
Physiol Int. 2026 Sep 18:2060.2026.00899. doi: 10.1556/2060.2026.00899. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Reduced exercise tolerance, fatigue, and poor sleep negatively affect daily functioning and quality of life. Manual diaphragmatic release (MDR) has demonstrated benefits in respiratory rehabilitation; however, its effects in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are unexplored.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the impact of a six-week MDR program on exercise capacity, sleep quality, fatigue, and health-related quality of life in older adults with T2DM.
METHODS: In a single-blind, randomized controlled trial, 44 older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were assigned to an experimental group (n = 22) receiving MDR plus guided breathing exercises or a control group (n = 22) performing breathing exercises alone. Interventions were conducted three times per week for six weeks. The primary outcomes were exercise capacity (Six-Minute Walk Test, 6MWT) and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI). The secondary outcomes included Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) and quality of life (SF-12). Assessments were performed at baseline and post-intervention.
RESULTS: The experimental group showed significantly greater improvement than the control group. The 6MWT distance increased by 24.2 m versus 4.6 m (P < 0.001, η2 = 0.516). The PSQI and FAS scores decreased significantly (P = 0.001, η2 = 0.234; P < 0.001, η2 = 0.476), and the quality of life improved (P < 0.001, η2 = 0.413).
CONCLUSION: A six-week MDR program combined with guided breathing exercises significantly improved exercise capacity, sleep quality, and quality of life and reduces fatigue in older adults with T2DM, supporting MDR as a promising non-pharmacological adjunct for older adults with well-controlled T2DM, with further research needed in broader diabetic populations.
PMID:42758547 | DOI:10.1556/2060.2026.00899
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