Exercise improved balance and cognition in adults with type 2 diabetes
Key takeaway:
In adults with type 2 diabetes, both supervised dual-task and single-task exercise programs improved balance, functional mobility, and cognitive performance over 8 weeks compared with no exercise.
Study at a glance
What was studied
Supervised dual-task and single-task exercise programs in adults with type 2 diabetes
Study type
Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
duration
Short-Term (≤3 mo)
Intervention
Single-task balance training, Motor-cognitive balance exercise
Outcomes
Motor-cognitive dual-task performance, Balance performance, Functional mobility, Cognitive function
Funding
Non-industry sponsored
Main effects
Dual-task walking performance ↓ improved in both exercise groups versus control
Balance test errors and completion times ↓ after both exercise programs
Cognitive screening scores ↑, with the largest MoCA gain in the dual-task group
Evidence Summary
| Intervention | Outcome | Measured Change | Study Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
 Motor-cognitive balance exercise (Physical Activity) |  Balance performance (Clinical Outcomes) | Decrease | Strong |
Motor-cognitive balance exercise (Physical Activity) | Cognitive function (Clinical Outcomes) | Increase | Strong |
Motor-cognitive balance exercise (Physical Activity) | Functional mobility (Clinical Outcomes) | Mixed | Strong |
Motor-cognitive balance exercise (Physical Activity) | Motor-cognitive dual-task performance (Clinical Outcomes) | Decrease | Mixed |
Single-task balance training (Physical Activity) | Balance performance (Clinical Outcomes) | Decrease | Strong |
Single-task balance training (Physical Activity) | Cognitive function (Clinical Outcomes) | Increase | Mixed |
Single-task balance training (Physical Activity) | Functional mobility (Clinical Outcomes) | Mixed | Strong |
Single-task balance training (Physical Activity) | Motor-cognitive dual-task performance (Clinical Outcomes) | Decrease | Mixed |
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Evidence Suggest
- Both exercise groups improved TUG performance under single-task and dual-task conditions more than the control group.
- Both exercise groups improved balance and functional mobility measures, including BESS, FSST, TUG, and FRT.
- Cognitive outcomes improved in both exercise groups, and MoCA total score improved more in the dual-task group than in the other groups.
Who this applies to
This study applies most directly to middle-aged adults with type 2 diabetes who can walk independently and do not have major diabetes-related complications, severe sensory loss, or medical conditions that would limit exercise participation.
Keep in Mind
The benefits were shown in a relatively small supervised program with one-on-one physiotherapist support, so results may not be identical in routine unsupervised care. Also, the dual-task program was not clearly better than the single-task program on most outcomes, so the safest conclusion is that structured exercise helped, while added cognitive tasks may offer selective extra benefit.
Between the Lines
- The final analyzed sample was small.
- Participants and therapists were not blinded.
- The follow-up lasted only 8 weeks with no longer-term outcome assessment.
- People with diabetic complications were excluded, which limits generalizability.
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Journal Reference
Aslan Kolukisa S, Taspinar F, Taspinar B. Examining the Effects of Dual and Single Task Exercises in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Clin Med. 2026;15(7):2761. doi:10.3390/jcm15072761
Sources
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Key References
Most relevant evidence and guidance related to this research.
5. Facilitating Positive Health Behaviors and Well-Being to Improve Health Outcomes: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2025
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