Relationships Between Physical Activity Metrics of Intensity and Diabetes

IntroductionPhysical activity (PA) prevents diabetes-associated complications. Little is known about what constitutes effective PA interventions to mitigate diabetes. Identifying PA metrics associated with the efficacy of PA interventions will provide insight into devising strategies to treat diabetes.PurposeThe aim of this study was to analyze the relationships between preclinical and postclinical variables from a 10-week intervention designed to increase PA in adults with diabetes.MethodsA secondary analysis was performed to evaluate data using Wilcoxon rank sum test, permutation test and Spearman correlation to analyze hemoglobin A(1c) (HbA(1c)), weight, and PA metrics (maximum steps per episode, cadence, daily steps, and 6-minute walk).ResultsPoststudy HbA(1c) level was associated with maximum steps (r = -0.63, P = .03) and 6-minute walk (r = -0.50, P = .09). Baseline weight was associated with average cadence (r = -0.76, P = .007), and poststudy weight was associated with average cadence (r = -0.60, P = .041) and maximum steps (r = -0.62, P = .03).ConclusionsCadence and maximum steps per episode reflect PA intensity and were associated with HbA(1c) and weight in adults with diabetes.