Objective: To determine the effects of supervised structured aerobic exercise training programme on level of exertion, dyspnoea, maximum oxygen consumption, and body mass index in type 2 diabetics.
Methods: The randomised, controlled trial was carried out at Riphah Rehabilitation and Research Centre, Islamic International medical College Trust, Pakistan Railways General Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from January 2015 to June 2016, and comprised type 2 diabetics. Sedentary individuals of both genders, aged40-70 years, diagnosed on World Health Organisation's criteria were included. Participants were randomly divided into two groups, i.e. A (experimental) and B (control), by toss and trial method. Intervention in the experimental group were supervised structured aerobic exercise training programme, routine medication and dietary, while the control group was treated by routine medication and dietary plan for 25 weeks at 3 days per week for both groups. Level of exertion, dyspnoea, maximum oxygen consumption and body mass index were assessed and documented at baseline (0 week) and at the completion of intervention (after 25 weeks). SPSS20 was used for data analysis.
Results: Of the 102 participants, there were 51(50%) in each group. Pre- and post-intervention analysis showed that a 25-week training programme, routine medication, and dietary plan significantly improved level of exertion, dyspnoea, maximum oxygen consumption and body mass index (p<0.05)) in the experimental group compared to the control group treated with routine medication, and dietary plan.
Conclusions: The supervised structured aerobic exercise training programme along with routine medication and dietary plan positively influenced level of exertion, dyspnoea, maximum oxygen consumption and body mass index than routine medication and dietary plan in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Keywords: Aerobic exercise, Level of exertion, Dyspnoea, VO2max, BMI..