Effect of treadmill ambulatory training on glucose control and blood pressure in persons with type 2 diabetes: A pilot study

BACKGROUND: Lack of time is often cited by persons with type 2 diabetes for non-participation in regular exercise. This highlights the need to explores ways to help persons with type 2 diabetes to engage in an active lifestyle. This study evaluated the effect of a short duration norm intensity exercise on blood glucose and blood pressure in persons with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS: Twenty persons with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to either 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 systolic and diastolic blood pressures were assessed before and after the 4-weeks training. Repeated measures ANOVA were used to examine training effect.

RESULTS: 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 training is an appropriate exercise mode to elicit beneficial effect, and exercise adoption in persons with type 2 diabetes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: This pilot trial is registered with the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry at pactr.samrc.ac.za (PACTR202306601940612).