Page 89 - Petelin, Ana, and Šarabon, Nejc. 2018. Eds. Zdravje starostnikov / Health of the Elderly. Znanstvena monografija / Proceedings. Koper: University of Primorska Press
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The study (Balducci, 2014) mentions for the first time that the long-term physical activity of the elderly with a diabetic foot 89
prescribed in controlled aerobic exercise, such as fast walking, can alter the
natural history of diabetic neuropathy or even delay its onset.

The purpose of the study by Dixit and colleagues (2014) is to evaluate the
effect of moderate aerobic exercise (40 % - 60 % heart rate) on diabetic periph-
eral neuropathy. It has been found that moderate intensity of aerobic exercise
can play an important role in diabetes type 2 disorders. LeMaster (2008) points
out in his research that the promotion of physical activity does not cause a sig-
nificant increase in ulcers on the feet.

A single recreational exercise usually involves warm up for 5-10 minutes,
followed by 20-30 minutes of main activity and for completion of 5-10 minutes
of cooling by low activity exercise, such as walking, ease of movement and re-
laxation exercises. The intensity of the exercise can be determined and assessed
according to the feeling without any special devices and heart rate measure-
ments. The simple criterion for even moderate aerobic exercise is that we can
talk normally during exercise (Medvešček and Pavčič, 2009).

Appropriate forms of physical exercise are a combination of sev-
eral activities over a long period of time. Appropriate training is; walk-
ing or walking uphill, cycling, mountaineering, skiing, rowing, dancing,
some fitness activities (bicycle, conveyor belt, repeating various lighter ex-
ercises) and more intensive work in the garden or field (mowing, grabbing).
A systematic review of literature suggests the importance of exercise in the
treatment of diabetic feet, as it contributes to a better revitalization of the lower
limbs. Gymnastics in patients with diabetes have additional benefits, which in
turn slows down peripheral diabetic neuropathy, skin damage, and ulceration
(Matos et al., 2018).

Discussion and Conclusion
Despite the existence of various clinical guidelines and recommendations for
the patient’s health and educational work, it is a great challenge for health pro-
fessionals to motivate individuals with diabetes to preserve newly acquired
habits and lifestyle. Physical exercise is vital here. Before starting physical ac-
tivity, diabetes should be discussed with your doctor and diabetologist. A suit-
able type of exercise depends to a large extent on other health problems that an
individual has. Often, there is fear in elderly patients, whether they should start
physical exercises and how intense it should be. It is important to closely mon-
itor blood sugar before, during and after exercise. They should also be alert to
the condition of their feet, which they regularly inspect. For exercise, choose
comfortable sports shoes and suitable socks.

A systematic review of literature suggests the importance of physical ac-
tivity and exercise as a key intervention in the prevention of diabetic foot, al-
though there are several different exercises and methods that have similar ben-
efits to the already given goal. The literature review also proves that exercise is
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