DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjams.2026.v14i05.008

Pages: 690-695

Background: Diabetic neuropathy is a common and disabling complication of diabetes mellitus, frequently associated with chronic neuropathic pain that adversely affects quality of life. Pharmacological management often provides incomplete relief and may cause adverse effects, necessitating effective non-pharmacological interventions. Aerobic exercise has been shown to improve glycemic control, enhance peripheral circulation, and reduce pain perception, yet evidence from nursing-led interventional studies in Indian clinical settings remains limited. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of aerobic exercise on the level of neuropathic pain among clients with diabetes mellitus attending diabetic clinics of selected hospitals in Bagalkot. Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test control group design was adopted. Sixty clients with diabetes mellitus and neuropathic pain were selected using non-probability purposive sampling and allocated into experimental (n = 30) and control (n = 30) groups. Neuropathic pain was assessed using the standardized Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) scale. The experimental group received a structured aerobic exercise program for four weeks, while the control group received routine care. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including paired and unpaired t-tests and chi-square tests. Results: In the experimental group, the mean LANSS score significantly decreased from 18.50 ± 3.15 in the pre-test to 15.17 ± 2.74 in the post-test (t = −7.236, p < 0.001). In contrast, the control group showed no statistically significant reduction in neuropathic pain scores (pre-test: 20.73 ± 2.14; post-test: 20.15 ± 2.14; p = 0.453). Significant associations were observed between pre-test neuropathic pain levels and selected sociodemographic variables. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise was found to be an effective, safe, and feasible nursing intervention for reducing neuropathic pain among clients with