Author(s): ABONIE, U., ADDO, R., KUMAH, L., OFORI-AMPOMAH, A., MAKINYI, V., Institution: NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY, Country: UNITED KINGDOM, Abstract-ID: 293

INTRODUCTION:
Participation in regular physical activity is low among persons with type 2 diabetes in comparation to persons without the condition. Lack of time is often cited by persons with type 2 diabetes for non-participation in regular exercise. A short duration norm intensity ambulatory exercise could be perceived as achievable and can improve motivation to adopt and maintain an active lifestyle in persons with type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a short duration norm intensity ambulatory exercise on blood glucose and blood pressure in persons with type 2 diabetes.
METHODS:
Twenty adults with type 2 diabetes (age 51 ± 8 years) were randomly assigned to training group (n = 10) or control group (n = 10). The training group received 4-weeks ambulatory training on a motor-driven treadmill (2 x 20 min per week at 60% target heart rate). The control group received no training. Blood glucose and blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) were assessed with a digital automated glucometer and an automated blood pressure monitor respectively, before and after the 4-weeks training. Repeated measures ANOVA were used to examine training effect (p =.05).
RESULTS:
The average velocity during training was 5.13 ± 0.56m/s (range, 4.56 – 5.81m/s). The average training heart rate was 100.58 ± 3.22bpm (range, 95.30 – 104.29bpm). Training significantly improved blood glucose (mean difference= -2.73; p = 0.03). No effects were found for systolic blood pressure (mean difference= -0.30; p = 0.96) and diastolic blood pressure (mean difference = -0.90; p = 0.82).
CONCLUSION:
Training improved blood glucose but not blood pressure. A short-duration ambulatory exercise is an appropriate exercise mode to elicit beneficial effect and could help persons with type 2 diabetes in the adoption of an active lifestyle.