Effectiveness of an aerobic walking program using heart rate monitor and pedometer on the parameters of diabetes control in Asian Indians with type 2 diabetes

Abstract 

Aims

To analyze the effects of 8 weeks of aerobic walking using a heart rate monitor (HRM) and pedometer for monitoring exercise intensity on glycemic outcomes, fasting blood glucose (FBG), cardiovascular fitness and well-being in type 2 diabetes patients.

Methods

Forty adults with type 2 diabetes were randomly allocated to an 8-week supervised program of walking using heart rate monitor and pedometer (group A=20) and control group (group B=20). All outcomes were determined at baseline and after the 8-week training period.

Results

The exercise training program resulted in a 9.7% (P<0.05) improvement in group A. Fasting blood glucose level decreased significantly by 37% in group A (P<0.05). Body mass index (BMI) ratio decreased by 3.9% in group A and increased by 2.2% in group B. General well-being (GWB) improved by 28.8% (P<0.05) in the exercising group and there was an improvement in all parameters associated with cardiovascular health.

Conclusion

Monitoring an exercise program using a heart rate monitor and pedometer was effective and decreased the level of HbA1c, FBG, BMI and improved general well-being. Further using HRM helped us to attribute all improvements to the exercise intensity that we used in our study.

Keywords: Type 2 diabetes, Glycemic control, Pedometer, Heart rate monitor, General well-being