Does Measurement of Handgrip Strength Affect Physical Activity Level for Patients With Diabetes Type 2? A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: It is recommended that patients with diabetes type 2 keep themselves physically active and it is known that good muscular strength has a positive effect on these patients.

Aim: To determine whether physical activity level increases and whether other risk factors for cardiovascular disease are positively affected by including measurement of handgrip strength as part of the regular care program for patients with diabetes type 2 in primary care.

Method: Patients with diabetes type 2 who go to regular check-ups by participating diabetes-nurses in primary care are randomized to either intervention or control group. In the intervention group, handgrip strength is measured in addition to standard care. the control group receives standard care at inclusion. Handgrip strength is measured in both groups at 1 year follow-up. Physical activity level is measured in both groups at inclusion and 1 year follow-up with a questionnaire. Measurement of other risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity are measured at both inclusion and follow-up in both groups as dictated by standard care routines.

Expected results: Measurement of handgrip strength can give health care personnel greater possibilities to identify those patients with diabetes type 2 who need to increase their activity level and to give them more concrete support. It is possible that the attention given to handgrip strength and physical activity may motivate patients to increase their activity level, become stronger and eventually reduce other risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity.