The effect of concurrent exercise training (Resistance and Interval Running) and mindful self-compassion therapy on heart rate Variability in type 1 diabetes

Background and purpose: Diabetes in adolescents is usually associated with cardiovascular Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of exercise and Mindful Self-Compassion Therapy (MSCT) on heart rate variability (HRV), aerobic capacity (VO2peak), and glycemic index of adolescent boys with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Methods: A total of 60 adolescent boys (Age: 12–18 years, Body Mass Index: 19.75 ± 2.26 kg/m 2 ) were enrolled in this semi-experimental research. The participants were allocated into four groups: Control Diabetes (CD, n = 15), Exercise Diabetes (ED, n = 15), MSCT Diabetes (MD, n = 15), and Exercise + MSC Diabetes (EMD, n = 15). The ED group received 3 sessions per week of combined resistance and interval (running) and training, the MD group received 8 sessions of 60 min of MSCT, and the EMD group received exercise training + MSCT during a 12-week intervention period. A two-way multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) was used with pre-test values as covariate variables to evaluate changes in a range of HRV variables following the interventions. Results: The ED and EMD groups showed increases in High Frequency (HF), Root Mean Square of Successive RR Interval Differences (RMSSD), Standard Deviation of NN Intervals (SDNN), Very-Low-Frequency (VLF), Low-Frequency (LF), and VO2peak. There was a decrease in resting Heart Rate (HR), LF/HF, and HbA1c levels. The MD group had a substantial increase in HF and RMSSD and a significant decrease in HR and LF/HF ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: The results support the application of combined interval/resistance exercise training and stress control method (MSCT) as an effective non-invasive intervention for enhancing the psychophysiological parameters of HRV in adolescent boys with T1D compared to exercise or MSCT alone.