The Role of Aerobic Training Variables Progression on Glycemic Control of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: a Systematic Review with Meta-analysis

Aerobic Exercise in the Aquatic Environment Suppresses the Plasma Renin Activity in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial

To compare the acute effects of aquatic walking/running versus dry-land walking/running on blood glucose and plasma renin activity (PRA) in individuals with type 2 diabetes, participants with type 2 diabetes performed deep-water or dry-land walking and/or running sessions in a swimming pool or on an athletics track, respectively. Both sessions comprised seven blocks of 3 min at 85-90% of the heart rate deflection point (HRDP), interspersed with 2 min at <85% HRDP, totaling 35 min, with a 48 h interval between sessions. PRA and blood glucose were assessed before and immediately after the sessions. Generalized estimation equations were used to verify the session effects, with the Bonferroni post hoc test, considering the significance level as 0.05. Twelve individuals (53.2 ± 8.9 years) diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for 6.3 ± 6.34 years participated in the study. A reduction in PRA was found only after the aquatic session (-7.75 ng/mL/h; -69%; p: 0.034), while both aquatic and dry-land sessions similarly reduced the blood glucose levels (aquatic: -38 mg/dL, -21%; dry-land: -26 mg/dL, -14%; time effect, p = 0.007). Despite yielding similar glycemic reductions as dry-land walking/running, aquatic walking/running led to an expressive decrease in PRA among individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Analysis of dietary behavior and intake related to glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes aged 30 years or older in Korea: Utilizing the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019-2021)

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Over the past 10 yrs, the prevalence of diabetes in Korea has continued to incline, and the importance of lifestyle modification to manage diabetes has been highlighted. For patients with diabetes, carbohydrate intake reduction is effective in improving glycemic control; thus, we aimed to analyze the effect of carbohydrate intake ratio and suggest an appropriate carbohydrate intake ratio.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Using the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019-2021), we analyzed the data including participants aged 30 yrs or older with diabetes, and they were stratified into good and poor glycemic control groups. To analyze the correlation between the dietary behavior characteristics of participants with diabetes and the carbohydrate intake ratio, sociodemographic characteristics, dietary behavior, and health behavior were adjusted, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to present the adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

In the unadjusted crude model, when carbohydrate intake ratio in total energy intake increased by 1%, the likelihood of poor glycemic control increased by 1.007-fold (95% CI, 0.998-1.016; P = 0.121). In model 1, which uses age and sex as adjustment variables, an increase of up to 1.011-fold was possible (95% CI, 1.001-1.021; P = 0.008). In model 2, which added variables such as diabetes duration, frequency of fruit consumption, frequency of lunch and, frequency of dinner, the risk of poor glycemic control increased by 1.010-fold as the carbohydrate intake ratio increased (95% CI, 0.998-1.022; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed that as the ratio of carbohydrate intake to total energy intake increases the likelihood of poor glycemic control also increases in patients with diabetes. Therefore, to improve glycemic control in patients with diabetes, controlling the carbohydrate intake may be helpful.

Impact of metformin treatment on cobalamin status in persons with type 2 diabetes

Over the last decades, low vitamin B12 status has been reported in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Metformin, the first-line therapy for lowering blood glucose, is the main driving factor behind this association. Although the relationship between vitamin B12 deficiency and metformin is well established, results of studies on the exact effect of the dose and duration of the therapy remain inconsistent. Additionally, a lack of consensus on the definition of vitamin B12 deficiency adds to the conflicting literature. The objectives of this review were to analyze and synthesize the findings on the effects of metformin dose and duration on vitamin B12 status in patients with T2DM and to outline the potential mechanisms underlying metformin's effect on vitamin B12. Metformin therapy has adversely affected serum vitamin B12 concentrations, a marker of vitamin B12 status. The metformin usage index (a composite score of metformin dose and duration) might serve as a potential risk assessment tool for vitamin B12 screening in patients with T2DM. Considering the health implications of suboptimal vitamin B12 status, vitamin B12 concentrations should be monitored periodically in high-risk patients, such as vegans who are receiving metformin therapy for T2DM. Additionally, it is prudent to implement lifestyle strategies concurrent with metformin therapy in individuals with T2DM, promoting an overall synergistic effect on their glycemic control.

Sarcopenia and type 2 diabetes: Pathophysiology and potential therapeutic lifestyle interventions

AIMS

Sarcopenia generally refers to the age-related reduction in muscle strength, functional ability, and muscle mass. Sarcopenia is a multifactorial condition associated with poor glucose disposal, insulin resistance, and subsequently type 2 diabetes (T2D). The pathophysiological connection between sarcopenia and T2D is complex but likely involves glycemic control, inflammation, oxidative stress, and adiposity.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Resistance exercise and aerobic training are two lifestyle interventions that may improve glycemic control in older adults with T2D and counteract sarcopenia. Further, there is evidence that dietary protein, Omega-3 fatty acids, creatine monohydrate, and Vitamin D hold potential to augment some of these benefits from exercise.

CONCLUSIONS

The purpose of this narrative review is: (1) discuss the pathophysiological link between age-related sarcopenia and T2D, and (2) discuss lifestyle interventions involving physical activity and nutrition that may counteract sarcopenia and T2D.

Evolution of the diagnostic value of "the sugar of the blood": hitting the sweet spot to identify alterations in glucose dynamics

In this paper, we provide an overview of the evolution of the definition of hyperglycemia during the past century and the alterations in glucose dynamics that cause fasting and postprandial hyperglycemia. We discuss how extensive mechanistic, physiological research into the factors and pathways that regulate the appearance of glucose in the circulation and its uptake and metabolism by tissues and organs has contributed knowledge that has advanced our understanding of different types of hyperglycemia, namely prediabetes and diabetes and their subtypes (impaired fasting plasma glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, combined impaired fasting plasma glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes mellitus), their relationships with medical complications, and how to prevent and treat hyperglycemia.

Management of hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes, 2022. A consensus report by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)

The American Diabetes Association and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes convened a panel to update the previous consensus statements on the management of hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes in adults, published since 2006 and last updated in 2019. The target audience is the full spectrum of the professional healthcare team providing diabetes care in the USA and Europe. A systematic examination of publications since 2018 informed new recommendations. These include additional focus on social determinants of health, the healthcare system and physical activity behaviours including sleep. There is a greater emphasis on weight management as part of the holistic approach to diabetes management. The results of cardiovascular and kidney outcomes trials involving sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, including assessment of subgroups, inform broader recommendations for cardiorenal protection in people with diabetes at high risk of cardiorenal disease. After a summary listing of consensus recommendations, practical tips for implementation are provided.

Management of Hyperglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes, 2022. A Consensus Report by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)

The American Diabetes Association and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes convened a panel to update the previous consensus statements on the management of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes in adults, published since 2006 and last updated in 2019. The target audience is the full spectrum of the professional health care team providing diabetes care in the U.S. and Europe. A systematic examination of publications since 2018 informed new recommendations. These include additional focus on social determinants of health, the health care system, and physical activity behaviors, including sleep. There is a greater emphasis on weight management as part of the holistic approach to diabetes management. The results of cardiovascular and kidney outcomes trials involving sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, including assessment of subgroups, inform broader recommendations for cardiorenal protection in people with diabetes at high risk of cardiorenal disease. After a summary listing of consensus recommendations, practical tips for implementation are provided.

Dose-Dependent Effect of Supervised Aerobic Exercise on HbA1c in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Previous meta-analyses indicated that aerobic exercise can improve glycemic control. However, the optimum dose of exercise is still being discussed.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine the dose-dependent effect of supervised aerobic training (SAT) on glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c).

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to May 2021 for randomized trials with an intervention period of 12 weeks or longer evaluating the effect of SAT on HbA_1c in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Secondary outcomes included quality of life, change in hypoglycemic medications, and adverse events. A random-effects dose-response meta-analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

The analysis of 26 trials with 1253 participants indicated that each 30-min/week SAT reduced HbA_1c by - 0.22 percentage point (95% CI - 0.29 to - 0.15; GRADE = strong). Levels of HbA_1c decreased proportionally with the increase in the duration of moderate to vigorous-intensity SAT to 100 min/week (mean difference_{100 min/week}: - 0.96 percentage point, 95% CI - 1.25 to - 0.67), with flattening of the curve at higher duration. Aerobic exercise decreased antidiabetic medications by 13 per 100 patients (risk difference 0.13, 95% CI 0.02-0.23; 7 trials, n = 375; GRADE = moderate), and increased hypoglycemic reactions by 10 per 100 patients (risk difference: 0.10, 95% CI 0.03-0.17; 4 trials, n = 263; GRADE = low) and adverse events by 4 per 100 patients (risk difference: 0.04, 95% CI - 0.02 to 0.11; 2 trials, n = 236; GRADE = low). Limited evidence is available for quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Every 30 min/week of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise can exert a significant effect on HbA_1c, with the highest effect observed from 100 min/week and above. However, exercise durations above 100 min/week seem ineffective for further reductions.

PROTOCOL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO (CRD42021257251).

Aquatic Aerobic and Combined Training in Management of Type 2 Diabetes: The Diabetes and Aquatic Training Study (DATS): A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

To compare the effects of aquatic aerobic and combined (aerobic more resistance) training on glycemic control and other cardiometabolic outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Patients were randomized to an aquatic aerobic training (AERO, n = 19; 57.5 [7.4] y; 9 [47%] women), or an aquatic combined training (COMBI, n = 19; 60.9 [7.4] y; 10 [53%] women), or an aquatic active procedure control (n = 19; 58.6 [9.7] y; 10 [53%] women) in 3 weekly sessions (50 min each), during 15 weeks. Glycated hemoglobin was the primary outcome, whereas insulin resistance markers, lipid profile, systemic inflammation, renin concentration, blood pressure, physical activity levels, and sitting time were secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Glycated hemoglobin was reduced in all groups (P = .021), although changes were more marked in AERO (-0.36%) and COMBI (-0.44%) than in active control (-0.26%) group. Lipid profile was similarly modified in all groups. Diastolic blood pressure and renin concentration were also reduced in all groups; however, renin showed more marked reductions in AERO (-17.7 uIU/mL) and COMBI (-15.1 uIU/mL) than in active control (0.2 uIU/mL) group. Fasting insulin, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, systolic blood pressure, walking time, and sitting time on weekends were not modified.

CONCLUSION

AERO and COMBI presented similar effect to improve glycemic control and some cardiometabolic risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Does Aerobic plus Machine-Assisted Resistance Training Improve Vascular Function in Type 2 Diabetes? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials with Trial Sequential Analysis

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease characterized by hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and pancreatic B cell dysfunction. Hyperglycemia can cause several complications, including nephrological, neurological, ophthalmological, and vascular complications. Many modalities, such as medication, physical therapies, and exercise, are developed against vascular disorders. Among all exercise forms, aerobic plus machine-assisted resistance training is widely applied. However, whether this intervention can significantly improve vascular conditions remains controversial. In this study, an electronic search was processed for the Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane libraries for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the efficacy of aerobic plus machine-assisted resistance training with no exercise (control) on patients with T2DM. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), the index of arterial stiffness, was chosen as primary outcome. The reliability of the pooled outcome was tested by trial sequential analysis (TSA). Secondary outcomes included systolic blood pressure (SBP) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Finally, five RCTs with a total of 328 patients were included. Compared with control, aerobic plus machine-assisted resistance training failed to provide significant improvement on PWV (MD −0.54 m/s, 95% CI [−1.69, 0.60], p = 0.35). On the other hand, TSA indicated that this results till needs more verifications. Additionally, this training protocol did not significantly decrease SBP (MD −1.05 mmHg, 95% CI [−3.71, 1.61], p = 0.44), but significantly reduced the level of HbA1c (MD −0.55%, 95% CI [−0.88, −0.22], p = 0.001). In conclusion, this meta-analysis failed to detect a direct benefit of aerobic plus machine-assisted resistance training on vascular condition in T2DM population. Yet the improvement in HbA1c implied a potential of this training method in mitigating vascular damage. More studies are needed to verify the benefit.

Pomegranate juice intake enhances the effects of aerobic training on insulin resistance and liver enzymes in type 2 diabetic men: a single-blind controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Lifestyle interventions are the first-line treatment for Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), highly prevalent in the community. This study aimed to examine the 8-week separate and combined effects of aerobic training (AT) and pomegranate juice intake (PJI) on insulin resistance and serum levels of liver enzymes, liver enzymes, and insulin resistance in men with T2DM.

METHODS

This study evaluated the alterations of anthropometric indices, insulin resistance, and liver enzymes in 40 middle-aged men (40-50) with T2DM. Participants were randomly assigned into four groups: AT+PJI (n = 10); AT (n = 10); PJI (n = 10), and control (C) (n = 10). The AT program consisted of 60-75% of maximum heart rate (HR_max), 40-60 min/day, and 3 days/wk. Participants in the PJI group consumed 240 ml of pomegranate juice (sugar or additive-free) daily for 8 weeks.

RESULTS

AT+PJI, PJI, and AT groups decreased anthropometric indices, HOMA-IR, and liver enzymes after 8 weeks. In contrast, the C group significantly increased the mentioned variables after the intervention. The result showed that AT+PJI significantly lowered liver enzymes, anthropometric indices, and HOMA-IR than AT or PJI alone. Also, the results of this study showed no significant difference between AT and PJI groups. However, in these groups, significant improvements in these variables were observed compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

Due to the effect of combined AT+PJI in improving T2DM risk factors, it could be recommended for T2DM patients to prevent increased liver enzymes and insulin resistance.

Insulin-Related Liver Pathways and the Therapeutic Effects of Aerobic Training, Green Coffee, and Chlorogenic Acid Supplementation in Prediabetic Mice

Background

The liver controls blood glucose levels via regulation of anabolic (glycogen synthesis and gluconeogenesis) and catabolic (glycolysis and glycogenolysis) processes through activation of the PI3K-AKT signalling pathway. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of aerobic training, green coffee, and chlorogenic acid supplementation on glucose metabolism-regulating pathways in prediabetic mice.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were exposed to a high-fat diet and physical activity limitation to induce a state of prediabetes. After 12 weeks, mice were fed a high-fat diet compared to the control mice. The prediabetic mice were further treated with either green coffee, chlorogenic acid, or training or combinations of the same for 10 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, metabolic data (FBG, GTT, HOMA for IR, plasma level of insulinfrom systematic, AST, and ALT assessed into blood), histopathologic, and analysis of gene and protein expressions were obtained for target tissues.

Results

Training along with green coffee and chlorogenic acid supplementation improved complications of prediabetes including weight gain and elevated fasting blood glucose and plasma insulin levels. These effects were associated with the changes in mRNA levels of genes important in hepatic glycogen synthesis (GYS2), glucogenesis (PCK and G6PC2), and glycolysis (GK, PK, and PFKL).

Conclusion

The training in conjunction with green coffee or chlorogenic acid is effective in the prevention of prediabetes in mice. As these interventions are relatively inexpensive and safe application to individuals with prediabetes appears warranted.

The relationship between the level of exercise and hemoglobin A1c in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and exercise levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients when performing various types of exercise.

METHODS

The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials involving adults with T2DM, intervention involving exercise alone, the overall duration of intervention ≥12 weeks, and reporting HbA1c. Weighted mean difference (WMD) was defined as the mean difference between the intervention group and the control group weighted by the inverse of the squared standard error for each study, and all WMDs were pooled as overall effects. A meta-regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between the exercise level and the WMD in HbA1c.

RESULTS

Forty-eight studies (2395 subjects) were analyzed. The pooled WMD in HbA1c decreased significantly (-0.5% [95% confidence intervals: -0.6 to -0.4]) but contained significant heterogeneity (Q = 103.8, P < 0.01; I2 = 36.6%). A meta-regression analysis showed that the intensity (metabolic equivalents [METs]), time (min/session), or frequency (sessions/week) of the exercise was not associated with the HbA1c. However, the overall duration of exercise (weeks) was significantly associated with the WMD in HbA1c (meta-regression coefficient: 0.01 [95% confidence intervals: 0.002-0.016]; R2 = 70.0%), and that result did not contain significant heterogeneity (P > 0.05; I2 = 14.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

The exercise intervention decreases HbA1c in T2DM patients. In addition, exercise for an extended duration was associated with an increase in HbA1c, so the effects of exercise may be evident early on, but results suggested that exercise for a prolonged period alone may increase HbA1c.

Exploring the Use of Fitbit Consumer Activity Trackers to Support Active Lifestyles in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Mixed-Methods Study

Background: People with type 2 diabetes are less active than those without the condition. Physical activity promotion within diabetes health care is limited. This project explored the use of Fitbit activity trackers (Fitbit, San Francisco, CA, USA) to support active lifestyles in adults with type 2 diabetes through a mixed-methods study. Methods: Two stages were conducted. In stage 1, adults with type 2 diabetes used a Fitbit Charge 4 (Fitbit, San Francisco, CA, USA) for 4 weeks. Fitbit and self-reported physical activity data was examined through quantitative analysis. Qualitative analysis was conducted to explore the experiences of participants. In stage 2, health professionals were interviewed to examine their views on using Fitbit activity trackers within type 2 diabetes care. Results: Adults with type 2 diabetes were recruited for stage 1 and adult health care and fitness professionals were recruited for stage 2. Stage 1 participants’ self-reported increases in physical activity (mean weekly minutes of walking increased from 358.75 to 507.50 min, p = 0.046) and a decrease in sedentary behaviour (mean daily hours of sedentary behaviour decreased from 10.65 to 10.05 h, p = 0.575). Fitbit activity data ranges identified individuals who led inactive and sedentary lifestyles below levels recommended and in need of physical activity support to reduce the risk to their health. During interviews, participants stated that the Fitbit activity tracker motivated them to be more active. Stage 2 participants intimated that Fitbit activity trackers could improve the promotion of physical activity within type 2 diabetes care. Interventions involving the Fitbit premium service, community prescription and combined use of Fitbits with physical activity behaviour change models were recommended by stage 2 participants. Conclusions: This study found that there is future scope for using Fitbit activity trackers to support active lifestyles in adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

The effects and acceptability of different exercise modes on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Exercise has been believed to have positive effects on blood glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, few medical evidences have been found to ascertain which type of exercise has the best effect on blood glucose control in diabetes and which type of exercise is more acceptable. The purpose of this study is to compare the effects and acceptability of different exercise modes on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients by using systematic review and network meta-analysis.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Relevant randomized controlled trial studies will be searched from PubMed, EMbase, CochraneCENTRAL, CNKI, VIP, and Chinese medical paper libraries. Primary outcome indicators: glycosylated hemoglobin and dropout rate of the research (number of dropouts/numbers of initially enrolled subjects). Secondary outcome measures: fasting blood glucose, body weight, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), diastolic pressure, systolic pressure (SBP). Two reviewers are arranged to screen Title, Abstract, and then review full text to further extract data. Standard meta-analysis and network meta-analysis of the data are performed afterward. Methodological quality assessment is planned to be conducted using Cochrane risk of bias tool. The outcome will be analyzed statistically according to Bayesian analysis methods. After that, subgroup analysis is conducted on the duration of intervention, whether there is supervision of intervention, frequency of intervention per week, age, gender, and medication use.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO CRD42020175181.

DISCUSSION

The systematic review and network meta-analysis include evidence of the impact of different exercise modes on blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes mellitus. There are 2 innovative points in this study. One is to conduct a classified study on exercise in as much detail as possible, and the other is to study the acceptability of different exercise modes. The network meta-analysis will reduce the uncertainty of intervention and enable clinicians, sports practitioners, and patients to choose more effective and suitable exercise methods.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The findings of the study will be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences and symposia. Further, no ethical approval is required in this study.

Effects of aerobic training with and without progression on blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review with meta-analyses and meta-regressions

AIMS

To analyze the effects of aerobic training with and without progression on blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

The databases used for the systematic search were PubMed, Cochrane Central, SPORTDiscus and LILACS. Studies which analyzed blood pressure before and after an intervention period of eight or more weeks of aerobic training compared to a control group without training in patients with type 2 diabetes were included.

RESULTS

Of the 4186 studies found, 17 clinical trials were included (912 participants). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) decreased after aerobic training with progression (-6.78 mmHg; 95% CI -8.36, -5.19; p < 0.001) and without progression (-8.07 mmHg; 95% CI -9.37, -6.77; p < 0.001). The same happened regarding diastolic blood pressure (DBP), which decreased with aerobic training with progression (-3.10 mmHg; 95% CI -4.90, -1.31; p < 0.001) and without progression (-5.71 mmHg; 95% CI -7.15, -4.28; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Aerobic training is effective in reducing blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes, regardless of progression in training variables.

Physical Activity Frequency Among Older Adults With Diabetes or Prediabetes: Associations With Sociodemographics, Comorbidity, and Medical Advice

To examine the differences in physical activity (PA) between older adults with and without diabetes/prediabetes and the correlates of PA frequency and associations between medical advice on PA and/or diet/weight loss and increasing PA among those with diabetes/prediabetes. Multinomial and binary logistic regression models using 2016-2017 National Health Interview Survey data (N = 4,860 aged 65+ years with diabetes/prediabetes). About 44.2% of those with diabetes/prediabetes, compared with 48.1% of a matched sample without, engaged in any PA three plus times a week. The low PA group (PA frequency was zero to two times a week) was more socioeconomically disadvantaged and had more chronic illnesses than the medium (three to four times a week) or high (five plus times a week) PA groups. Any PA and/or diet/weight loss medical advice was associated with two to three times higher odds of increasing PA. Health care providers should consider prescribing PA and/or diet/weight loss for patients with diabetes/prediabetes.

Utilitarian walking and walking as exercise among community-dwelling older adults: what factors influence it?

Abstract Objective : to investigate the association between utilitarian walking and walking as exercise, and socio-demographic, clinical and functional covariates related to these walking types. Methods : a cross-sectional exploratory study was conducted with 148 older adults (aged 60 and over). Walking frequency and duration was assessed using the IPEQ-W (Incidental and Planned Exercise Questionnaire - Version W). Socio-demographic, clinical conditions, level of disability and mobility were also assessed. Types of walking were compared among the variables using the Mann-Whitney test and non-parametric Spearman rho correlations were used to investigate the association between the types of walking and the variables. Results : the participants performed a mean of 1.1 (±2.1) h/week of walking as exercise and 2.2 (±2.3) h/week of utilitarian walking. Older adults who had diabetes (p=0.015) did fewer h/week of walking as exercise. Participants who were older (p=0.014), reported poor self-rated health (p<0.001), poor disability levels (p<0.001), hypertension (p=0.048), strokes (p<0.001), heart disease (p=0.026), urinary incontinence (p<0.001), dizziness (p=0.008), or sleep disorders (p=0.042) spent fewer hours performing utilitarian walking. Correlations between the covariates and types of walking varied from very weak to weak. Conclusion : chronic diseases and unfavorable health conditions decreased walking time. Utilitarian walking was the most frequent type of walking performed by the older adults. Health care professionals and public policy managers should use utilitarian walking as a way of increasing levels of physical activity and to promote healthy aging.