NMES, Exercise, and Glycemic Control in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
Key facts
- Where
- Viseu, PortugalSee the site
Where in Portugal
- Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities in Central PortugalViseu, PortugalNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University of Salamanca
- Trial code
- NCT06856720
- Record updated
- 10 August 2026
- Original description
Adults aged 60 years and older with type 2 diabetes living in nursing homes may experience difficulty participating in conventional exercise programs because of frailty, mobility limitations, or chronic health conditions. This randomized controlled trial compares three 12-week non-pharmacological interventions for glycemic management: neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), supervised combined aerobic and resistance exercise, and a structured health literacy intervention. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the three groups. The primary outcome is weekly mean fasting capillary glucose. Secondary outcomes include health-related quality of life, treatment satisfaction, adherence, and safety. The study aims to identify feasible and clinically relevant strategies for improving diabetes management in institutionalized older adults.Read full original descriptionShow less
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Versus Combined Aerobic and Resistance Exercise Versus Health Literacy Intervention for Glycemic Control in Institutionalized Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Adults aged 60 years and older with type 2 diabetes living in nursing homes may experience difficulty participating in conventional exercise programs because of frailty, mobility limitations, or chronic health conditions. This randomized controlled trial compares three 12-week non-pharmacological interventions for glycemic management: neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), supervised combined aerobic and resistance exercise, and a structured health literacy intervention. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the three groups. The primary outcome is weekly mean fasting capillary glucose. Secondary outcomes include health-related quality of life, treatment satisfaction, adherence, and safety. The study aims to identify feasible and clinically relevant strategies for improving diabetes management in institutionalized older adults.
Inclusion: Confirmed diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus; Age 60 years or older; Resident in a nursing home or similar long-term care facility in Portugal; Able to understand study procedures and provide informed consent; Stable antidiabetic medication regimen for at least 12 weeks before enrollment.
Exclusion: Severe cognitive impairment or inability to provide informed consent; Acute or unstable medical condition making participation unsafe; Skin lesions or dermatological conditions preventing safe electrode placement; Any condition judged by the clinical team to preclude safe participation; Contraindications to moderate-intensity exercise; Implanted electronic devices (e.g., pacemaker, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator).