| Description |
BACKGROUND: Exercise-based interventions prevent or delay symptoms and complications of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and are highly recom-mended for T2D patients; though with very low participation rates. Telerehabilitation (TR) could act as an alternative to overcome the barriers preventing the promotion of T2D patients' well-being. AIM: Determine the effects of a six-week TR program on glycemic control, functional capacity, muscle strength, PA, quality of life and body composition in patients with T2D.DESIGN: A multicenter randomized, single-blind, parallel-group clinical study.SETTING: Clinical trial.POPULATION: Patients with T2D.METHODS: Thirty T2D patients (75% male, 60.1 +/- 10.9 years) were randomly allocated to an intervention group (IG) and a control group (CG) with no exercise intervention. IG enrolled in a supervised, individualized exercise program (combination of aerobic and resistance exercises), 3 times/week for 6 weeks at home via a TR platform. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), six-minute walk test (6MWT), muscle strength (Hand Grip Strength Test [HGS], 30-Second Chair Stand test [30CST] physical activity [IPAQ-SF]), quality of life (SF-36) and anthropometric variables were assessed. RESULTS: Two-way repeated-ANOVA showed a statistically significant interaction between group, time and test differences (6MWT, muscle strength) (V=0.33, F [2.17]=4.14, P=0.03, partial 112=0.22). Paired samples t-test showed a statistically significant improvement in HbA1c (Z=-2.7), 6MWT (Mean A=-36.9 +/- 27.2 m, t=-4.5), muscle strength (Mean A=-1.5 +/- 1.4 kg, t=-2.22). Similarly, SF-36 (mental health [Mean A=-13.3 +/- 21.3%], general health [Mean A=-11.4 +/- 16.90%]) were statistically improved only in IG.CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate that a 6-week supervised home-based TR exercise program induced significant benefits in patients with T2D, thus enabling telehealth implementation in rehabilitation practice as an alternative approach.
|