Last updated September 12, 2026
Key finding
Three of six patients that had undergone exercise intervention exhibited a marked 1.9 ± 0.3-fold improvement in epidermal nerve fiber density.
This study investigated the effects of various exercise interventions on peripheral nerve function in diabetic patients, finding no significant alterations in nerve function.
Quick read
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Medium-Term (3–12 mo)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
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Study focus
This study investigated the effects of various exercise interventions on peripheral nerve function in diabetic patients, finding no significant alterations in nerve function.
Understanding the effects of exercise on nerve function in diabetic patients is crucial, as peripheral neuropathy can significantly affect quality of life. This study suggests that while exercise may have some benefits, it does not fundamentally alter nerve function, indicating a need for further research into effective treatments for neuropathy in diabetes.
The study had a small sample size, limiting generalizability. Results may not apply to all diabetic populations. No long-term follow-up data were provided.
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Evan BS, Morris AF, Clara MM, et al. Exercise Does Not Alter Peripheral Nerve Function in Diabetic Patients. Frontiers in Neuroscience. 2019;13:51. doi:10.3389/fnins.2019.00051
Exercise showed a modest improvement in sensory nerve function (p = 0.01).
Three of six patients in the exercise group had a marked 1.9 ± 0.3-fold improvement in epidermal nerve fiber density.
No improvement in epidermal nerve fiber density was observed in sedentary patients.
Evidence network
Understand where this research contributes within the broader evidence network.
This study contributes evidence to Aerobic exercise, Isokinetic strength exercise, Sedentary control and Change in sensory nerve conduction velocity from baseline, Epidermal nerve fiber density improvement, Change in corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), and 1 more.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Aerobic exercise
Primary outcomes
Evidence topics
Primary intervention
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
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Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
1
Related topics
5
Evidence pairs
38
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Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
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Primary evidence
Evidence topic
matched_intervention
Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Aerobic exercise → Change in sensory nerve conduction velocity from baseline
Aerobic exercise → Change in sensory nerve conduction velocity from baseline
Aerobic exercise → Epidermal nerve fiber density improvement
Aerobic exercise → Epidermal nerve fiber density improvement
Isokinetic strength exercise → Change in sensory nerve conduction velocity from baseline
Isokinetic strength exercise → Change in sensory nerve conduction velocity from baseline
Sedentary control → Change in corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD)
Sedentary control → Change in corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD)
Sedentary control → Sensory nerve function
Sedentary control → Sensory nerve function
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Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Aerobic Exercise and Epidermal nerve fiber density improvement, Aerobic Exercise and Change in sensory nerve conduction velocity from baseline.
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Physical Activity
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
All studies on Aerobic Exercise
Contributes to Aerobic Exercise evidence base.
All studies measuring Change in sensory nerve conduction velocity from baseline
Measures Change in sensory nerve conduction velocity from baseline as a key outcome.
All studies measuring Epidermal nerve fiber density improvement
Measures Epidermal nerve fiber density improvement as a key outcome.
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1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
1 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Aerobic exercise appears to improve change in sensory nerve conduction velocity from baseline.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Change in sensory nerve conduction velocity from baseline
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Aerobic exercise appears to improve epidermal nerve fiber density improvement.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Epidermal nerve fiber density improvement
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Isokinetic strength exercise appears to improve change in sensory nerve conduction velocity from baseline.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Change in sensory nerve conduction velocity from baseline
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Sedentary control for change in corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD).
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Change in corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD)
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
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