The Effects of Free-Living Interval-Walking Training on Glycemic Control, Body Composition, and Physical Fitness in Type 2 Diabetes Patients

Diabetes Care: September 21, 2012

To evaluate the feasibility of free-living walking training in type 2 diabetes patients, and to investigate the effects of interval-walking training versus continuous-walking training upon physical fitness, body composition, and glycemic control.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Subjects with type 2 diabetes were randomized to a control (n = 8), continuous-walking (n = 12), or interval-walking group (n = 12). Training groups were prescribed five sessions per week (60 min/session) and were controlled with an accelerometer and a heart-rate monitor. Continuous walkers performed all training at moderate intensity, whereas interval walkers alternated 3-min repetitions at low and high intensity. Before and after the 4-month intervention, the following variables were measured: VO₂max, body composition, and glycemic control (fasting glucose, HbA_1c, oral glucose tolerance test, and continuous glucose monitoring [CGM]). Read more