Role of Exercise, Relaxation, Yoga and Music Therapy in the Comprehensive Management of Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

 Background: Diabetes mellitus requires long-term management involving medication, physical activity, nutrition and psychological well-being. Exercise, music therapy and relaxation may provide complementary benefits in diabetes management. Objective: To investigate the effects of a combined exercise, music therapy and relaxation programme on glycaemic control and selected psychological and lifestyle measures in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: The present study is a 6-month prospective observational study carried out on twenty type 2 diabetic mellitus patients attending District hospital, Palakkad and their community. Patients were subjected to individualized exercise, music therapy and relaxation therapy. The FBS, PPBS and HbA1c were studied at base line, 3 months and 6 months. Changes in stress, mood, sleep, energy, motivation and physical activity and diabetic peripheral neuropathy were also evaluated. Results: The mean FBS was 203.0mg/dl at baseline, decreasing to 179.2mg/dL at 3 months and 149.25mg/dL at 6 months. Mean PPBS was 243.3, decreasing to 204.5 and 175.5mg/dL, respectively. Mean HbA1c was 9.39%, decreasing to 8.69 and 8.02%. Patients reported improved stress relaxation mood sleep energy levels, motivation and overall quality of life. 11 diabetic peripheral neuropathy symptoms were reported, all improving. The enjoyment of exercise was better with music and so motivation. Conclusion: When used in combination exercise music therapy and relaxation programs were related to a number of beneficial effects like: Improvements in self-report measures of psychological and lifestyle variables. These interventions could be used as adjuncts to conventional diabetes management still further larger controlled studies are necessary to assess their efficacy.