The Effects of Structured Exercise or Lifestyle Behavior Interventions on Long-Term Physical Activity Level and Health Outcomes in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression

A blended face-to-face and eHealth lifestyle intervention on physical activity, diet, and health outcomes in Hong Kong community-dwelling older adults: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Aging individuals are vulnerable to various Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs). Different behaviors are closely related to a decreased risk of suffering from NCDs: sufficient Physical Activity (PA) (e.g., at least 150 mins Moderate-to-vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA) per week) and a healthy daily diet (e.g., at least five portions of Fruit and Vegetable Intake (FVI), 5-6 taels (189.0-226.8 g) Meat, Fish, Egg and Alternatives (MFEA)). Traditional face-to-face interventions were effective in behavior change. However, it was revealed to be resource-intensive and limited transfer due to poor self-regulation skills outside of face-to-face sessions. Thus, eHealth could be a supplement for older adults outside traditional face-to-face settings. The blended approach combining these two interventions might optimize the intervention effects on lifestyle behavior initiation and maintenance, but little research can be found among Hong Kong older adults. Therefore, the study aims to test a blended intervention to promote PA, diet, and health outcomes among Hong Kong community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

This study will adopt a 10-week three-arm randomized controlled trial. The blended group will receive weekly (1) two 60-min face-to-face sessions with one for PA and one for diet, and (2) two web-based sessions with one for PA and one for diet. The face-to-face group will receive the same intervention content as the face-to-face sessions in the blended group. The control condition will receive a biweekly telephone call. The outcomes will include MVPA (minutes/week), FVI (portions/day), MFEA consumption (taels/day), social-cognitive factors (self-efficacy, planning, social support, action control), physical health outcomes (clinical indicators, senior physical fitness), mental health outcomes (depression, loneliness) and health-related quality of life. Data collection will be implemented at the pre-test, post-test, and 3-month follow-up test.

Discussion

This is the first study evaluating a blended intervention promoting multiple health behaviors among Hong Kong community-dwelling older adults. If the effect of the blended intervention is superior to the traditional face-to-face group and the control group, it will enrich lifestyle intervention approaches and can be applied to older adults, helping them obtain health benefits. Furthermore, a better understanding of mechanisms will also have implications for theory-building.

Clinical trial registration

https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN32329348, ISRCTN32329348.

Long-term follow-up on patient-reported outcomes after supervised exercise training in individuals at risk of complications to type 2 diabetes

AIMS

We investigated long-term changes of patient-reported outcomes after a supervised exercise intervention in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

METHODS

In an intervention study without a control group, follow-up assessments were performed 12 months after initiating 12 weeks of physical exercise in individuals with T2D at intermediate or high risk of complications. Primary outcomes were health-related quality of life assessed with EQ-5D-5L, empowerment with Diabetes Empowerment Scale-Short Form, and self-reported physical activity with the Physical Activity Scale. Secondary outcomes were physical function (30-s chair-stand test) and working capacity (Aastrand or Graded Cycling Test).

RESULTS

153 participants completed follow-up (35% women, age (mean ± SD) 67 ± 11 years, body mass index 33.1 ± 5.9 kg/m2, glycated haemoglobin A1c 7.8 ± 3.7%). No changes were reported in health-related quality of life (index score p = 0.444, visual analogue scale p = 0.270), empowerment (p = 0.232), and moderate intensity physical activity (p = 0.917). Vigorous intensity physical activity decreased (mean (95% CI) -25.5 (-37.14; -13.94) min/day, p < 0.001). Physical function increased (p < 0.001) and working capacity decreased (Aastrand p = 0.002, Graded Cycling Test p = 0.039).

CONCLUSIONS

Health-related quality of life, empowerment, and self-reported moderate intensity physical activity time remained elevated at the long-term follow-up after a supervised exercise intervention.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Sarcopenia as Comorbid Chronic Diseases in Older Adults: Established and Emerging Treatments and Therapies

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and sarcopenia (low skeletal muscle mass and function) share a bidirectional relationship. The prevalence of these diseases increases with age and they share common risk factors. Skeletal muscle fat infiltration, commonly referred to as myosteatosis, may be a major contributor to both T2DM and sarcopenia in older adults via independent effects on insulin resistance and muscle health. Many strategies to manage T2DM result in energy restriction and subsequent weight loss, and this can lead to significant declines in muscle mass in the absence of resistance exercise, which is also a first-line treatment for sarcopenia. In this review, we highlight recent evidence on established treatments and emerging therapies targeting weight loss and muscle mass and function improvements in older adults with, or at risk of, T2DM and/or sarcopenia. This includes dietary, physical activity and exercise interventions, new generation incretin-based agonists and myostatin-based antagonists, and endoscopic bariatric therapies. We also highlight how digital health technologies and health literacy interventions can increase uptake of, and adherence to, established and emerging treatments and therapies in older adults with T2DM and/or sarcopenia.

''I felt marvellous e-cycling. If I had long hair I would have flicked it": a qualitative investigation of the factors associated with e-cycling engagement among adults with type 2 diabetes

Background

Physical activity (PA) is a key component in the management of type 2 diabetes. However, this population have low rates of PA engagement. Electrically assisted cycling has been identified as a means through which to increase PA by incorporating activity into daily life, while overcoming some of the barriers to conventional cycling. The determinants of e-cycling among people living with chronic disease are largely unknown. The aim of this research was to explore the determinants of e-cycling among individuals with type 2 diabetes using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and the Capability, Opportunity and Motivation for Behaviour change model (COM-B). This information is important for determining the suitability of future e-cycling initiatives and, if appropriate, inform future e-cycling interventions.

Method

One-to-one semi structured interviews were conducted with 16 participants from the e-cycling arm of a pilot randomised controlled trial between September 2019 and April 2020. The TDF was used to develop the interview guide. The framework method of analysis was used, incorporating both deductive and inductive reasoning. A conceptual model of the factors that influence e-cycling in this population was created.

Results

The most commonly reported TDF domains were skills, knowledge, belief about capabilities, belief about consequences and environmental context and resources. Specifically, e-bike training facilitated e-cycling engagement by providing participants with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to ride the e-bike and ride on the road. In addition, the enjoyment of e-cycling was a key facilitator to engagement. Participants engaged in e-cycling to improve their health rather than for environmental reasons. Most barriers to e-cycling related to the natural or physical environment.

Conclusion

This study provides insight into the personal, social, and environmental factors associated with e-cycling in this population. The findings of this study can be used to develop a more refined e-cycling intervention targeting the factors identified as influencing e-cycling engagement. In addition, this information will help in the selection of mechanistic outcome measures for evaluation.

The effect of a community-based group intervention on chronic disease self-management in a vulnerable population

Introduction

Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are predominantly related to modifiable health behaviors and account for 74% of global deaths at present. Behavior modification through self-management is a strategy to prevent NCDs. Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs (CDSMPs) have demonstrated improvements in health behaviors, health status, and use of healthcare.

Objective

We evaluated the effects of a 6-week CDSMP on self-efficacy, health behaviors, mental health, health-related quality of life (HR-QoL), and health responsibilities among vulnerable populations with chronic disease in Europe.

Methods

A prospective cohort study with a 6-month pre-post single-group design was conducted in five European countries. The intervention targeted adults with chronic conditions and low socioeconomic status, as well as their caregivers. The intervention was a 6-week community-based CDSMP in a group setting. Outcomes were measured per self-report questionnaire at baseline and 6-month follow-up: self-efficacy, health behaviors, mental health, HR-QoL, and health responsibilities.

Results

Of 1,844 participants, 1,248 (67.7%) completed follow-up and attended ≥4 sessions. For the chronic condition group, the following outcome measures at follow-up significantly improved compared with baseline (all P < 0.002): self-efficacy (SEMCD-6 6.7 vs. 6.4), mental health (PHQ-8 6.3 vs. 7.0), HR-QoL (SF-12 PCS 42.3 vs. 40.2, SF-12 MCS 42.8 vs. 41.4), health utility (EQ-5D-5L 0.88 vs. 0.86), self-rated health (EQ-5D-5L 67.2 vs. 63.9), communication with healthcare providers (2.28 vs. 2.11), understanding information (3.10 vs. 3.02), number of doctor visits (3.61 vs. 4.97), accident and emergency department visits (0.25 vs. 0.48), total nights in a hospital (0.65 vs. 1.13), and perceived medical errors (19.6 vs. 28.7%). No significant changes were detected in dietary habits, physical activity, substance use, and sleep and fatigue. For caregivers without a chronic condition, only doctor visits significantly decreased (1.54 vs. 2.25, P < 0.001).

Discussion

This CDSMP was associated with improvement in self-efficacy, depression, HR-QoL, and health responsibilities over 6 months in a diverse European population with a chronic condition. However, additional interventions targeting lifestyle risk factors are needed to improve health outcomes.

Electrically assisted cycling for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a pilot randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its associated complications puts considerable strain on healthcare systems. With the global incidence of T2DM increasing, effective disease management is essential. Physical activity (PA) is a key component of T2DM management; however, rates of PA engagement are low in this population. Developing effective and sustainable interventions that encourage PA is a high priority. Electrically assisted bicycles are becoming increasingly popular and may increase PA in healthy adults. This study aimed to provide evidence of the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of an e-cycling intervention to increase PA and improve health in individuals with T2DM.

METHODS

A parallel-group two-arm randomized, waitlist-controlled pilot study was conducted. Individuals were randomized to either an e-bike intervention or standard care. The intervention incorporated two one-to-one e-bike skills training and behavioural counselling sessions delivered by a community-based cycling charity, followed by a 12-week e-bike loan with two further sessions with the instructors. Feasibility was assessed via measures related to recruitment, retention and intervention implementation. Post-intervention interviews with instructors and participants explored the acceptability of the study procedures and intervention. Clinical, physiological and behavioural outcomes were collected at baseline and post-intervention to evaluate the intervention's potential.

RESULTS

Forty participants (M_age = 57) were randomized, of which 34 were recruited from primary care practices. Thirty-five participants were retained in the trial. The intervention was conducted with high fidelity (> 80% content delivered). E-bike training provided participants with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to e-bike independently. Instructors reported being more confident delivering the skills training than behavioural counselling, despite acknowledging its importance. The study procedures were found to be acceptable to participants. Between-group differences in change during the intervention were indicative of the interventions potential for improving glucose control, health-related quality of life and cardiorespiratory fitness. Increases in overall device measured moderate-to-vigorous PA behaviour following the intervention were found, and there was evidence that this population self-selected to e-cycle at a moderate intensity.

CONCLUSIONS

The study's recruitment, retention, acceptability and potential efficacy support the development of a definitive trial subject to identified refinements.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN, ISRCTN67421464 . Registered 17/12/2018.

Physical Activity in South Asian Indians: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

This review systematically examines the characteristics and effectiveness of randomized controlled trials with aerobic physical activity (PA) interventions tailored to South Asian Indians (SAIs). PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, and Google Scholar were searched. The search yielded 1,842 studies; 11 met the criteria. The Center for Evidence-Based Medicine's critical appraisal tool was used to assess the quality of studies. Studies that used supervised structured PA sessions, educational material in SAI languages, motivational strategies, and positive reinforcement for goal setting, reported significant improvement in PA (p < .05; Cohen's d ≤ 0.3 to >0.8). Future PA studies in India featuring SAIs would benefit from clinic-based one-on-one structured aerobic PA interventions. In contrast, SAI immigrants in Western countries would benefit from community-based structured aerobic PA interventions that are offered in groups and culturally adapted.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes accounts for nearly 90% of the approximately 537 million cases of diabetes worldwide. The number affected is increasing rapidly with alarming trends in children and young adults (up to age 40 years). Early detection and proactive management are crucial for prevention and mitigation of microvascular and macrovascular complications and mortality burden. Access to novel therapies improves person-centred outcomes beyond glycaemic control. Precision medicine, including multiomics and pharmacogenomics, hold promise to enhance understanding of disease heterogeneity, leading to targeted therapies. Technology might improve outcomes, but its potential is yet to be realised. Despite advances, substantial barriers to changing the course of the epidemic remain. This Seminar offers a clinically focused review of the recent developments in type 2 diabetes care including controversies and future directions.

Effects of a 12-Week Interventional Exercise Programme on Muscle Strength, Mobility and Fitness in Patients With Diabetic Foot in Remission: Results From BIONEDIAN Randomised Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

Diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) is a serious late diabetic complication characterised by limited joint mobility and other biomechanical and muscle abnormalities.

AIM

To evaluate the effect of an interventional exercise programme on anthropometric parameters, muscle strength, mobility and fitness in patients with diabetic foot in remission.

DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION

Thirty-eight patients with type 2 diabetes and DFS without active lesions (mean age 65 ± 6.9 years, BMI 32 ± 4.7 kg.m^-2, waist-hip ratio (WHR)1.02 ± 0.06) were enrolled in our randomised controlled trial. All subjects were randomised into two groups: an intervention group (I; n=19) and a control group (C; n=19). The 12-week exercise intervention focused on ankle and small-joint mobility in the foot, strengthening and stretching of the lower extremity muscles, and improvements in fitness. Changes (Δ=final minus initial results) in physical activity were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), with joint mobility detected by goniometry, muscle strength by dynamometry, and fitness using the Senior Fitness Test (SFT).

DATA EXTRACTION

Due to reulceration, 15.8% of patients from group I (3/19) and 15.8% of patients from group C were excluded. Based on the IPAQ, group I was more active when it came to heavy (p=0.03) and moderate physical activity (p=0.06) after intervention compared to group C. Group I improved significantly in larger-joint flexibility (p=0.012) compared to controls. In group I, dynamometric parameters increased significantly in both lower limbs (left leg; p=0.013, right leg; p=0.043) compared to group C. We observed a positive trend in the improvement of fitness in group I compared to group C. We also confirmed positive correlations between heavy physical activity and selected parameters of flexibility (r=0.47; p=0.007), SFT (r=0.453; p=0.011) and dynamometry (r=0.58; p<0.0025). Anthropometric parameters, such as BMI and WHR, were not significantly influenced by the intervention programme.

CONCLUSION

Our 12-week interventional exercise programme proved relatively safe, resulting in improved body flexibility and increased muscle strength in DF patients in remission.

Mobile Health Biometrics to Enhance Exercise and Physical Activity Adherence in Type 2 Diabetes (MOTIVATE-T2D): protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Exercise and physical activity (PA) are fundamental to the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Current exercise and PA strategies for newly diagnosed individuals with type 2 diabetes are either clinically effective but unsuitable in routine practice (supervised exercise) or suitable in routine practice but clinically ineffective (PA advice). Mobile health (mHealth) technologies, offering biometric data to patients and healthcare professionals, may bridge the gap between supervised exercise and PA advice, enabling patients to engage in regular long-term physically active lifestyles. This feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) will evaluate the use of mHealth technology when incorporated into a structured home-based exercise and PA intervention, in those recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This feasibility multicentre, parallel group RCT will recruit 120 individuals with type 2 diabetes (diagnosis within 5-24 months, aged 40-75 years) in the UK (n=60) and Canada (n=60). Participants will undertake a 6-month structured exercise and PA intervention and be supported by an exercise specialist (active control). The intervention group will receive additional support from a smartwatch and phone app, providing real-time feedback and enabling improved communication between the exercise specialist and participant. Primary outcomes are recruitment rate, adherence to exercise and loss to follow-up. Secondary outcomes include a qualitative process evaluation and piloting of potential clinical outcome measures for a future RCT.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The trial was approved in the UK by the South East Scotland Research Ethics Committee 01 (20/SS/0101) and in Canada by the Clinical Research Ethics Board of the University of British Columbia (H20-01936), and is being conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and Good Clinical Practice. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international scientific meetings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS

ISRCTN14335124; ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04653532.

Promoting physical activity in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review of systematic reviews

OBJECTIVE

There is a large amount of studies about interventions for promoting physical activity (PA) in persons with type 2 diabetes (T2D) as well as several systematic reviews referring to these studies. The objective of this contribution is to provide a systematic review of these systematic reviews.

METHOD

PubMed, PsychInfo and the Cochrane Library were searched for systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses regarding interventions for promoting PA in persons with T2D. The individual reviews and the relationships between the reviews were analysed.

RESULTS

Eighteen reviews were included. Seventeen of these reviews contained references to included trials, amounting to 113 trials in total. Five of the reviews addressed PA interventions in general; six addressed specific devices for delivering the intervention; five addressed specific approaches for giving the participants feedback about their outcomes; and two addressed specific therapeutic approaches. Only 14 cross-references were found.

CONCLUSION

Giving feedback about outcomes and helping people to integrate PA in their daily lives seem to be the most effective intervention components. Basing intervention development on theories seems helpful.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Interventions should give feedback about outcomes and help to integrate PA in daily life. Intervention development should be theory-based.

The Role of the Clinical Exercise Physiologist in Reducing the Burden of Chronic Disease in New Zealand

Clinical exercise physiologists (CEPs) specialize in managing long-term, non-communicable health conditions using scientific rehabilitative exercise prescription, which alleviates the burden of these conditions on health care systems. This is evident, particularly in Australia (AUS), where they are registered as health care workers. CEPs have been shown to reduce the physical burden of long-term conditions on populations and the economic load that these place on national health departments. This article aims to evidence the effectiveness of CEPs in Noncommunicable Disease (NCD) rehabilitation, the cost-effectiveness of supervised exercise prescription for various NCDs by CEPs in AUS, and related cost-effectiveness New Zealand (NZ) burden of disease. This article highlights the important role NZ. CEPs can play in reducing chronic disease cost if given the same opportunities as Australian CEPs within NZ's health care system.

Reasoned Action Approach Correlates of Physical Activity Among African American Men Living With HIV: A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT

Physical activity (PA) is associated with a reduced incidence of chronic diseases. However, little is known about the predictors of PA among African American men living with HIV. We report secondary analyses examining the strength of the relationships between the reasoned action approach constructs, attitude, subjective norm, descriptive norm, and self-efficacy and intention to exercise and self-reported adherence to Department of Health and Human Services PA guidelines using baseline data from a trial of a PA intervention with 302 African American men, between 40 and 88 years of age (M = 53.9; SD = 7.2) living with HIV. Multiple regression revealed that attitude, subjective norm, and self-efficacy were positively associated with intention. Logistic regression revealed higher odds of meeting PA guidelines as self-efficacy increased. Self-efficacy and descriptive norm predicted meeting the aerobic guideline. Self-efficacy predicted meeting the muscle-strengthening guideline. Interventions targeting reasoned action approach variables may contribute to efforts to improve PA among African American men living with HIV.

The Effect of Surrounding Greenness on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort in Taiwan

This study determines whether surrounding greenness is associated with the incidence of type 2 diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in Taiwan. A retrospective cohort study determines the relationship between surrounding greenness and the incidence of T2DM during the study period of 2001–2012 using data from the National Health Insurance Research Database. The satellite-derived normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) from the global MODIS database in the NASA Earth Observing System is used to assess greenness. Cox proportional hazard models are used to determine the relationship between exposure to surrounding greenness and the incidence of T2DM, with adjustment for potential confounders. A total of 429,504 subjects, including 40,479 subjects who developed T2DM, were identified during the study period. There is an inverse relationship between exposure to surrounding greenness and the incidence of T2DM after adjustment for individual-level covariates, comorbidities, and the region-level covariates (adjusted HR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.79–0.82). For the general population of Taiwan, greater exposure to surrounding greenness is associated with a lower incidence of T2DM.

Long-Term Physical Activity Levels After the End of a Structured Exercise Intervention in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

Randomized, controlled trials have shown that exercise interventions reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes in people with impaired glucose tolerance, and improve glycemic control, body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness in people with type 2 diabetes. We undertook the present systematic review to determine the extent to which participants in structured exercise trials continue to be physically active after the end of the interventions.

METHODS

We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for randomized, controlled trials that reported objective or self-reported physical activity levels in people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes a minimum of 3 months after the end of a structured exercise intervention. This systematic review was registered on PROSPERO (PROSPERO CRD42018089468).

RESULTS

Of 14,649 articles retrieved, 5 randomized, controlled trials (including 549 participants) were included in this systematic review. One study revealed significant improvements in self-reported physical activity levels in the intervention group compared with the control group 1, 3 and 5 years after baseline assessments, and decreased waist circumference, weight and body mass index at 1 year, but not 3 or 5 years. The 4 remaining studies did not find between-group differences at follow-up timepoints between 6 months and 3 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Future research should report physical activity levels at follow up to determine whether participation in a structured exercise intervention results in sustained increased physical activity levels. In addition, interventions should be evaluated for their effectiveness in improving adherence to long-term physical activity.

Association of Dyslipidemia and Comorbidities with Risk Factors Among Diabetic Patients: A Retrospective Analysis

PURPOSE

To find out the association of dyslipidemia and comorbidities with risk factors among type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients attending King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH) Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (SA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three hundred and twenty-five T2DM patients were enrolled from the electronic record of the KAUH. The patients' existing comorbidities and dyslipidemia correlation with demographic, clinical, and available laboratory data were sought. Statistical analysis was performed on SPSS-23.

RESULTS

Of the total 325 T2DM patients with a mean age of 60.13±10.5 years [males 95 (29.23%) and females 230 (70.77%)] were included from the electronic record. Poor glycemic control was observed in 222 (68.31%) subjects (HbA1c > 7%), and 154 (47.39%) subjects had DM for more than ten years. Among our study subjects, 103 (31.69%) were hypertensive (HTN), 112 (34.46%) had ischemic heart disease (IHD), 45 (13.85%) were obese, 8(2.46%) had a stroke and 269 (82.77%) had dyslipidemia. Of the total 269 dyslipidemic patients,168 (62.45%) were on hypolipidemic treatment. On comparison of study variables according to dyslipidemia versus normal lipid levels, the lipid profile, including HDLc, LDLc, TC, and TG, revealed a highly significant difference (p-value <0.001) whereas many variables were not significantly different. HBA1c, FBG, and RBG were significantly higher in dyslipidemic subjects. Logistic regression analysis of risk factors and comorbidities in our patients revealed that age 60-69 years and 70-79 years had a significant association with comorbidities. Similarly, logistic regression analysis of risk factors and dyslipidemia in our patients revealed no statistically significant association.

CONCLUSION

Our results observed that the comorbidities were associated with increasing age and common comorbidities were HTN, IHD, dyslipidemia. Our study has highlighted the current trends in T2DM symptomatology and comorbidities. Efficient management and control by early screening and developing healthy lifestyles in our patients can be very helpful in the prevention of all these highly morbid complications of this preventable disease.

Electrically assisted cycling for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial

Background

The global incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing. Given the many complications associated with T2DM, effective management of the disease is crucial. Physical activity is considered to be a key component of T2DM management. However, people with T2DM are generally less physically active than individuals without T2DM and adherence to physical activity is often poor following completion of lifestyle interventions. As such, developing interventions that foster sustainable physical activity is of high priority. Electrically assisted bicycles (e-bikes) have been highlighted as a potential strategy for promoting physical activity in this population. E-bikes provide electrical assistance to the rider only when pedalling and could overcome commonly reported barriers to regular cycling. This paper describes the protocol of the PEDAL-2 pilot randomized controlled trial, an e-cycling intervention aimed at increasing physical activity in individuals with T2DM.

Methods

A parallel-group two-arm randomized waitlist-controlled pilot trial will be conducted. Forty individuals with T2DM will be randomly assigned, in a 1:1 allocation ratio, to an e-cycling intervention or waitlist control. Recruitment and screening will close once 20 participants have been randomized to each study arm. The intervention will involve e-bike training with a certified cycle instructor and provision of an e-bike for 12 weeks. Data will be collected at baseline, during the intervention and immediately post-intervention using both quantitative and qualitative methods. In this trial, the primary interests are determination of effective recruitment strategies, recruitment and consent rates, adherence and retention and delivery and receipt of the intervention. The potential impact of the intervention on a range of clinical, physiological and behaviour outcomes will be assessed to examine intervention promise. Data analyses will be descriptive.

Discussion

This paper describes the protocol for the PEDAL-2 pilot randomized controlled trial. Results from this trial will provide information on trial feasibility and identify the promise of e-cycling as a strategy to positively impact the health and behaviour of individuals with T2DM. If appropriate, this information can be used to design and deliver a fully powered definitive trial.

Trial registration

ISRCTN, ISRCTN67421464. Registered 03/01/2019.

The effects of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications on physical and pulmonary functions: A case-control study

AIMS

This study was planned to determine the effects of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications on physical and pulmonary functions. Methods: A total of 110 individuals aged 40-65 years were included in the study, 58 with type 2 DM (study group) and 52 without DM (control group). Physical activity level, functional capacity, pulmonary function, and comorbidity levels were compared between the groups. Results: The mean age of the individuals was 52.42 ± 5.88 years. Six-minute walk test distance was 507.2 ± 51.70 m in the study group and 532.23 ± 50.32 m in the control group (p < 0.05, Cohen's d = 0.49). The pulmonary function test results of the study and control groups were determined as forced vital capacity (FVC) (%): 99.17 ± 14.13 and 104.65 ± 16.01 (p > 0.05), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (%): 96.78 ± 14.43 and 99.73 ± 15.80 (p > 0.05), and FEV1/FVC ratio: 81.97 ± 4.62 and 80.16 ± 5.27 (p > 0.05), respectively. The Charlson Comorbidity Index scores of the study and control groups were 1.83 ± 0.82 and 0.12 ± 0.32 (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Type 2 DM was associated with lower functional capacity and higher rates of comorbid diseases. Therefore, potential causes of these parameters should be considered in the rehabilitation of type 2 diabetic patients.