OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of weight-bearing (WB) versus nonweight-bearing (NWB) exercise for persons with diabetes mellitus (DM) and peripheral neuropathy (PN). DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial with evaluations at baseline and after intervention. SETTING: University-based physical therapy research clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Participants with DM and PN (n = 29) (mean age +/- SD 64.5 +/- 12.5y; mean body mass index (kg/m2) +/- SD 35.5 +/- 7.3) were randomly assigned to WB (n = 15) and NWB (n = 14) exercise groups. All participants (100%) completed the intervention and follow-up evaluations. INTERVENTIONS: Group-specific progressive balance, flexibility, strengthening, and aerobic exercise conducted sitting or lying (NWB) or standing and walking (WB) occurred 3 times a week for 12 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Measures included the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) and daily step counts. Secondary outcome measures represented domains across the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. RESULTS: The WB group showed greater gains than the NWB group over time on the 6MWD and average daily step count (p < 0.05). The mean and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between-group difference over time was 29m (95% CI 6 to 51) for the 6MWD and 1,178 (95% CI 150 to 2,205) steps for the average daily step count. The NWB group showed greater improvements than the WB group over time in hemoglobin A1c values (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate the ability of this population with chronic disease to increase 6MWD and daily step count with a WB exercise program compared with an NWB exercise program.

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