Towards a self-managed resistance exercise program for overweight/obese individuals with type 2 diabetes: a pilot study

Abstract

A 16-wk semi-supervised, community-based, self-management focused, progressive resistance training using exercise bands was conducted on a single cohort of type 2 diabetic patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the program's efficacy to increase strength and physical activity level. In the 1st 8 wks, the participants consulted an exercise physiologist for exercise, physical activity, and self-management counseling 1 time x [wk.sup.-1] while the participants performed the resistance exercises 2 times x [wk.sup.-1] at home. During the 2nd 8 wks, telephone counseling was conducted in wks 10 and 14, in addition to one face-to-face meeting conducted in wk 12. Participants continued to exercise 3 times x [wk.sup.-1] at home. Twenty participants (59.5 [+ or -] 12.0 yrs) were enrolled, 9 (45%) completed the 1st 8 wks, and 3 (15%) completed the 16-wk program. At 8 wks, 1 min knee push up, 1 min sit-to-stand and physical activity level estimated from the Australia Active Survey had all significantly improved (P < 0.05). Two out of the 3 participants who completed the program had improved glycosylated hemoglobin. This feasibility study highlights the potential and challenges of a community-based, self-managed resistance exercise program to benefit the health of diabetic patients.