Background: The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes in working-age people imposes a substantial societal burden. Although physical activity is crucial for diabetes management, limited evidence exists to inform optimal strategies for promoting physical activity in this population. We aimed to determine and compare the effectiveness of interventions for increasing physical activity level in working-age people with diabetes.
Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, ClinicalTrials.gov, and ICTRP for papers published between Jan 1, 1931, and June 30, 2022, in English. Search terms included "physical activity", "diabetes", and "randomised controlled trial". We included trials reporting the effects of interventions on physical activity level (objectively or subjectively measured) in people with type 2 diabetes aged 18-60 years. Two independent reviewers conducted summary data extraction and quality assessment. We used pairwise random-effects, frequentist network meta-analyses, and meta-regression to obtain pooled effects. Heterogeneity was evaluated using I2 statistic. The risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias 2 tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022323165).
Findings: We identified 52 trials (6257 participants) from 21 countries (32 Asia, ten North America, eight Europe, one Australia, one Africa). The overall risk of bias was classified as "some concerns" for included studies. Four types of interventions (structured exercise training, physical activity education, psychological intervention, physical activity education plus psychological intervention) were identified. Compared with control groups, the interventions showed significant effects in objectively measured (standardised mean difference 0·77, 95% CI 0·27-1·27, low certainty), subjectively measured (0·88, 0·40-1·35, very low certainty), and overall physical activity (0·82, 0·48-1·16, moderate certainty). Physical activity education exerted large effect in overall physical activity compared with control groups. Psychological intervention exerted large effects in overall physical activity compared with other interventions. Heterogeneity was high (I2=96-97%). Intervention setting (p=0·04) and facilitator (p=0·03) showed effects on heterogeneity.
Interpretation: Psychologically modelled education might be the most beneficial way of promoting physical activity. Intervention setting and facilitator type should be considered when designing interventions for improving physical activity level in working-age people with type 2 diabetes. Limitations of this review include restriction to the English language and considerable heterogeneity between studies.
Funding: King's-China Scholarship Council PhD Scholarship (202108440151).
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