Author(s): CHIA, J.S., Institution: SPORT SINGAPORE, Country: SINGAPORE, Abstract-ID: 575

INTRODUCTION:
In Singapore, over 400,000 Singaporeans live with diabetes with a higher than global average of both prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes. This is of great concern, given that 1 in 4 Singapore residents will have prediabetes, and if preventive measures are not taken, 35% of them will eventually develop diabetes. The progression from prediabetes to diabetes is preventable through appropriate lifestyle management, highlighting the need for effective lifestyle interventions and support. Although many physical activity interventions have shown to be effective in clinical trials, their practical efficacy and sustainability over time is largely dependent on the individuals motivation amongst other factors. A key challenge of engaging individuals at risk is that they are likely to feel well and therefore, not see the need to change their behaviours. In Singapore, Active Health which is a national social movement under Sport Singapore, a statutory board under the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, seeks to empower individuals to take ownership of their health and wellness through the evidence-based programming and support from the Active Health Coaches who are Exercise-is-Medicine trained. This study was designed to examine the efficacy of a sport-inspired physical activity intervention coupled with health coaching in individuals at risk of diabetes in Singapore.
METHODS:
To achieve this, a six-week Active Health Programme combining sport-inspired exercises, crafting of a health and wellness vision and health coaching support was introduced to 100 individuals aged 18 - 39 years. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups, with the control group receiving only the weekly sport-inspired exercises. All participants attended a 60-min session each week. At the end of the 6 weeks, participants were left to exercise independently and returned on Week 12 for assessment.
RESULTS:
Significant differences in anthropometric and health biomarkers were observed in all participants at week 12. This was accompanied by a significant increase in moderate-intensity physical activity days for the intervention group.
CONCLUSION:
The findings have direct implications on the efficacy of health coaching and specifically, the usefulness of crafting a health and wellness vision in the use of exercise in combatting Type-2 diabetes. This is important given that many programmes focus only on exercise and this inclusion of elements of health coaching and visioning could be key in improving the health of individuals.