Vision-restricted dual-task training as a novel intervention to improve cognitive performance and quality of life in type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Cognitive decline has been associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a chronic metabolic disease marked by hyperglycemia brought on by decreased insulin production and resistance. In people with type 2 diabetes, cognitive motor dual-task blindfold training (CMDBT) supports gains in both cognitive and motor functioning by activating procedural memory areas, including the cerebellum, supplementary motor area, premotor cortex, and basal ganglia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized controlled experiment, 62 individuals with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes participated. An experimental group ( n = 31) received CMDBT, whereas the control group ( n = 31) was given conventional physiotherapy training. Using the primary outcome measures of Montreal Cognitive Assessment scale and Mini-mental State Examination and the secondary outcome measures of WHO BREF (physical domain) and WHO Qol-BREF (psychological domain), the baseline cognitive performance and quality of life were evaluated. RESULTS: The statistical study revealed both intervention-enhanced cognitive function and psychological wellbeing over time ( P < 0.001). CMDBT produced greater cognitive improvement than CVPT, with a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.85 post-test, 0.88 at follow-up) and significant P values ( P = 0.003). Psychological quality of life improved in both groups, with no significant between-group differences ( P = 0.315), indicating comparable efficacy. CONCLUSION: Cognitive-motor dual-task training is more successful than conventional physiotherapy programs at enhancing cognitive function in T2DM patients. These findings suggest CMDBT could be integrated into structured diabetic rehabilitation policies to reduce cognitive decline, aligned with global health initiatives promoting nonphamacological interventions.