Feasibility of Minimal Dose High Intensity Body-weight Circuit Training in Type 2 Diabetics

Exercise has been shown to be effective at improving fitness, as well as markers of glucose tolerance and control, in persons with type 2 diabetes. Recently, several investigations have demonstrated that improvements are realized by patients with high intensity interval exercise which is characterized by periods of vigorous exercise alternated by periods of moderate exercise. Typical interval training sessions require significantly less time to complete than traditional modes of exercise wherein moderate intensity activity is sustained for some time. This may be especially beneficial to those with type 2 diabetes, as lack of time is a frequently cited reason for not engaging in regular exercise. Bodyweight circuit training carries the potential to similarly improve health and metabolic function in persons with type 2 diabetes, and may do so with even a smaller accumulation of exercise because this type of exercise involves a greater percentage of the trainee's muscle mass compared with common forms of interval training (e.g., treadmill or cycle exercise). The purpose of this study is to quantify the effects of 3-4 sessions per week of bodyweight circuit training sustained for 5-10 minutes per session on health-related physical fitness and glucose tolerance/control in people with type 2 diabetes.