title: A Pilot Study of a 12-Week Leg Exercise and a 6- and 12-Month Follow-Up in Community-Dwelling Diabetic Elders: Effect on Dynamic Standing Balance.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the effects of 12-week leg exercise and follow-up on fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood pressure, static and dynamic standing balance time, leg muscle strength, and leg exercise behaviors in type 2 diabetic elderly.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fourfemales, completing 12-week leg exercise group and 6- and 12-monthfollow-up were examined for FBG blood pressure, standing on firm and foam surfaces, single leg stance, Five-Times-Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST), alternated stepping, and leg muscle strength at before leg exercise, week 12 of exercise, and months 6 and 12 follow-up after exercise. Friedman's ANOVA was used to compare these variables among 4 periods. Exercise behaviors were asked at months 6 and 12follow-up.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant decreased time was observed in FTSST between before and at week 12, and alternated stepping between before and at month 6. For one year follow-up, two participants performed leg exercise regularly. According to patients' interviews, they continued leg exercise because ofreduced leg pain and stiffness, compliance to physiotherapist's suggestions, and exercise addiction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Leg exercise enhanced FTSST and alternated stepping produced good qualityfeeling in leg in diabetic elderly. Physiotherapists may be a keyfor continuing leg exercise in community-dwelling diabetic elderly.
authors.forename: Vimonwan
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Hiengkaew
authors.forename: Sasithom
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Saengrueangrob
authors.forename: Kornkamon
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Cheawthamai
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000628:therapy*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D059825:Physical Therapists; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D010865:Pilot Projects; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*