Exercise Effects on Pain, Sleep and Depression in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

It is known that the pain experienced by individuals with diabetic neuropathy negatively impacts sleep and quality of life, leading to numerous psychosocial problems such as anxiety and depression. Studies in the literature indicate that exercise, a non-pharmacological method, improves pain and sleep quality in individuals with diabetic neuropathy. However, no studies have been found evaluating the effects of foot-ankle exercises on pain, sleep quality, and depression in individuals with diabetic neuropathy.

This research aims to examine the effects of foot-ankle exercises on pain, sleep quality, and depression in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

This randomized controlled experimental study will be conducted with 70 individuals with diabetes diagnosed with diabetic neuropathy, registered in the patient information systems of two public hospitals. The foot-ankle exercises will be performed by the patients in their homes, twice a day, three days a week, for eight weeks. The research data are as follows: The Introductory Information Form will be collected using the S-Lanns (Self-Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Sign) Pain Scale, VAS-Visual Analog Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).

This study is important because it will determine the effects of foot and ankle exercises on pain, sleep disturbances, and depression, which are common problems experienced by individuals with diabetic neuropathy.