Impact of a 12-week Calisthenic Exercise Regimen on Glycaemic Regulation and Cardiovascular Endurance in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. A Randomized Controlled Trail.

Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder that is becoming increasingly common and can lead to a variety of problems. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of calisthenic training exercises for twelve weeks on glucose levels, cardiovascular endurance, and body composition in people with type 2 diabetes. Forty subjects, aged between 30 -75 years, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, clinically stable participated. Participants were randomized (1:1) using computer-generated sealed envelopes with assessor blinding; one pre-intervention group switch altered final allocation. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: intervention group (n = 21), calisthenic exercises for twelve weeks under the supervision of physiotherapist, and control group (n = 19), followed routine medical treatment. The glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and the fasting/random glucose levels were the primary outcomes, whereas the body mass index, blood pressure, and the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) were the secondary. Statistical analysis paired and independent t-tests were utilized, and confidence intervals of 95% were utilized. Total of 40 participants who met the inclusion criteria, ages between 30–75 years, 20 subjects in each interventional and control group were assigned. Result of the study indicate that the intervention group exhibited noteworthy enhancements in HbA1c (9.60 ± 1.25 to 6.54 ± 0.92, p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) (26.51 ± 3.45 to 24.45 ± 2.98, p = 0.007), systolic blood pressure (136.38 ± 15.32 to 116.29 ± 12.47 mmHg, p < 0.001), and six-minutes’ walk distance (400.00 ± 48.60 m to 517.14 ± 56.12 m, p < 0.001). The results of this study indicate that structured calisthenic exercise is an efficient, low-cost, and easily accessible method for enhancing glycemic control and cardiovascular fitness in patients who have type 2 diabetes. • Calisthenic training improved HbA1c and glycemic control in T2DM patients. • Significant gain in 6MWD showed enhanced cardiovascular endurance. • Systolic blood pressure reduced after 12 weeks of structured exercise. • Demonstrated low-cost, accessible intervention for diabetes management. • First Indian RCT on calisthenics showing metabolic and functional benefits.