High Intensity Body-weight Circuit Training in Type 2 Diabetics

Exercise has been shown to be effective at improving fitness, as well as markers of glucose tolerance and control, in persons with type 2 diabetes. Recently, several investigations have demonstrated that improvements are realized by patients with high intensity interval exercise which is characterized by periods of vigorous exercise alternated by periods of moderate exercise. Typical interval training sessions require significantly less time to complete than traditional modes of exercise wherein moderate intensity activity is sustained for some time. This may be especially beneficial to those with type 2 diabetes, as lack of time is a frequently cited reason for not engaging in regular exercise. Bodyweight circuit training carries the potential to similarly improve health and metabolic function in persons with type 2 diabetes, and may do so with even a smaller accumulation of exercise because this type of exercise involves a greater percentage of the trainee's muscle mass compared with common forms of interval training (e.g., treadmill or cycle exercise). The purpose of this study is to quantify the effects of 3-4 sessions per week of bodyweight circuit training sustained for 5-10 minutes per session on health-related physical fitness and glucose tolerance/control in people with type 2 diabetes.

The at home HIBC intervention program involved the use of both bodyweight and suspension training equipment (TRX® Fit System) with modified movements. The TRX® system was used to modify squats and rows while attached to the top of a door frame.

HIBC Exercise Protocol- The HIBC circuit repetition and order is as follows: modified squats (10 repetitions), modified rows (5 repetitions), crunches (10 repetitions), and modified push-ups (5 repetitions). The exercise sessions involved repeating a series of repetitions of each movement in sequence, and completing as many sequences as possible in good form in the time allotted for the exercise (initially, 5 minutes). Participants were instructed to complete three sessions per week and documented the number of cycles completed. After 3 weeks of consistent training, participants were asked to add a 4th session each week as tolerated. Initially, the HIBC sessions were 5 minutes long, and the duration of the sessions were increased by one minute each week as tolerated beginning in week four, peaking at 10-minutes per session as early as the eighth week of training. Session duration was capped at 10 minutes.

Inclusion Criteria: Clinical diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes of at least 1 year hemoglobin A1c level between 6.0% and 10% Exclusion Criteria: Currently engaging in a physical activity Currently taking exogenous insulin Undertaking a regiment or lifestyle modification intervention. Cardiovascular or Pulmonary diseases.