Handgrip and pinch strength changes of type II diabetes mellitus patients following a 12- week strength training programme

The purpose of this study was to establish the efficacy of a 12-week strength training (ST) programme on handgrip and pinch strength in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients in a tertiary health institution in Benin-City. This study was a pre-test, post-test control group design. A total of 36 T2DM patients participated in the study. Handgrip and pinch strength were measured using electronic hand dynamometer (in kg) and mechanical pinch gauge (in kg) respectively prior to and following a 12-week ST programme. Data generated were analyzed using inferential statistics of one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the statistical significance was accepted for p value of <0.05.The findings of the study showed that ST programme had significant effects on handgrip and pinch strength of T2DM patients. It was concluded that ST programme can substantially optimize handgrip and pinch strength of patients with T2DM. Therefore, ST programme should be considered a key element in the management of T2DM patients.