Feasibility of Minimal Dose High Intensity Body-weight Circuit Training in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes: A Pilot Study

Background: The use of body-weight resistance exercise and a minimal time duration requirement can be combined to form a high intensity body-weight circuit training program (HIBC), and may be a feasible and attractive option for those with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). The purpose of this pilot was to evaluate the effectiveness of an minimal time commitment HIBC intervention on metabolic biomarkers, body composition, and fitness. Methods: Three females (55±4yrs) and two males (64±1yrs) with T2DM underwent assessments of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting glucose (FG), and lipids. Body composition via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, aerobic fitness (submaximal treadmill test), blood pressure (SBP/DBP), and resting heart rate (RHR) were assessed. Participants completed 16-weeks of HIBC. All assessments were repeated upon completion. Results: No differences were observed in the following variables; Body composition: Pre and Post changes in mean weight 2.2 ± 2.8 (p=0.31), body fat% -0.1 ± 1.1% (p=1.0), lean mass 1.2 ± 1.22 kg (p=0.13). Aerobic fitness: estimated VO2max 2.26 ± 4.5 ml/kg/min (p=0.63), SBP -6.4 ± 12.5mmhg (p=0.38), DBP -1.4 ± 3.5mmhg (p=0.50), RHR -1.8 ± 4.7bpm (p=0.50). Metabolic biomarkers: FG -14.9 ± 33.4 mg/dL (p=0.44), HDL 1.4 ± 4.2 mg/dL (p=0.63), LDL -4.0 ± 12.6 mg/dL (p=0.63), HbA1c -0.3 ± .28% (p=0.25). Conclusions: Though the main findings of this study were not statistically significant, but the physiological responses could be clinically meaningful in that improvements in metabolic profiles were similar in magnitude to both aerobic and resistance training interventions.