Can an Aerobic Exercise Program Influence Sedentary Behavior and Moderate-Vigorous Physical Activity in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes?

Exercise and physical activity are important components in both the management and treatment of type 2 diabetes. Exercise promotes multiple beneficial effects for diabetics; however, some studies have shown that when some individuals undergo an exercise program, this can cause behavioural compensatory responses. Therefore, we investigated whether an aerobic exercise program influences sedentary behavior (SB) and moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in type 2 diabetics. Eight volunteers (51.1±8.2 years; 4 men) underwent an exercise program (3 d.wk-1, 50– 60% of VO2 peak, 30–60 min) for 8 weeks. SB and MVPA were measured by triaxial accelerometers pre- and post-exercise intervention. Cardiorespiratory fitness, anthropometric assessment and body composition were measured at baseline and post-exercise intervention. Statistical analyses were performed using parametric tests (Paired t-test, p<0.05). We found there was no difference in SB and MVPA in type 2 diabetics, although there is a tendency to increase SB and decrease MVPA. We also did not find statistical differences between weekdays compared with weekend days for SB and MVPA. In summary, despite adequate to induce increases in cardiorespiratory fitness, has not caused statistically significant compensatory responses on SB and MVPA in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, there is a trend towards an increase on SB and reduction on MVPA. Further studies performed with a larger sample size and inclusion of a control group is warranted.