Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) decreases health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and physical function. Exercise therapy improves the physical function of patients with DPN; however, its effect on HRQOL remains unknown. Therefore, we subanalyzed the effect that teleguidance for exercise therapy by physiotherapists has on HRQOL in older patients with DPN by using our previously obtained data. METHODS: The physiotherapist who participated in this study is a specialist in exercise therapy for diabetes. Participants with DPN were categorized into the teleguidance for exercise therapy by physiotherapists (TelePhysio) and control groups (n = 18 and 19, respectively). Both groups underwent the same moderate-intensity exercise therapy program. In the TelePhysio group, teleguidance for exercise therapy was provided for 30 min once a week for six months. In the control group, no telephone intervention was provided, and patients were interviewed at the hospital only at 3 months after discharge. RESULTS: For the comparison between parameters at baseline and six months later, in the TelePhysio group, the EuroQol 5-dimensional (EQ-5D) score and knee extension force (KEF) did not decrease, whereas the Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ) score significantly improved (24.2 ± 5.7 to 26.7 ± 6.0; P < 0.05). In contrast, in the control group, the EQ-5D score and KEF were significantly decreased, whereas the DTSQ score remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: TelePhysio is effective in improving treatment satisfaction and may help prevent decline in HRQOL and physical function in older patients with DPN. Our findings suggest that TelePhysio may be a treatment option for older patients with DPN. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13340-026-00884-8.