SUMMARY
Study aim: The purpose of this study was to establish the effects of a 12-week strength training (ST) programme on hand function in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in a tertiary health institution in Benin-City. The findings of this study would help clinicians/clinical staff to take ST into consideration in the management of patients with T2DM thereby enhancing clinical outcome. Material and methods: This study was a pre-test, post-test control group design. A total of 36 T2DM patients participated in the study. Handgrip and pinch strength were measured using electronic hand dynamometer (in kg) and mechanical pinch gauge (in kg) respectively prior to and following a 12-week ST programme. The amount of handgrip and pinch strength of both hands generated by each participant was used as a quantitative measurement of the development of hand function. Data generated were analyzed using inferential statistics of one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the statistical significance was accepted for p value of <0.05. Results: The findings of the study showed that ST programme had significant effects on hand function of T2DM patients. Conclusion: It was concluded that ST programme can substantially enhance hand function of patients with T2DM. Therefore, ST programme should be considered a key element in the management of T2DM patients.