Combined Aerobic And Elastic Resistance Training Improves Depression And Glycemic Control In Patients With Type2Diabetes In Ghanaian Population

IntroductionRecent data suggest that combined aerobic and resistance training exert beneficial effects on glycemic control in people with type2diabetes. However, while numerous studies have looked at the effects of combined training on glycemic control, to date no work has specifically looked at the effects of a variation of this form of exercise on depression and several metabolic parameters in patients with type2diabetes. It is therefore critical to explore the impact of combined aerobic and elastic resistance training on depression, glycaemic control and quality of life in type2diabetes.PurposeThis study evaluated the effects of12weeks of combined aerobic and elastic resistance training (CT) on depression (primary outcome) and several metabolic parameters in Ghanaian patients with type2diabetes.DesignWe carried out an experimental study that was prospective in nature. Participants were randomized into two exercising groups and a non-exercising control group. The two intervention groups were subjected to supervised exercise training programmes, undertaken three days per week for twelve weeks.MethodsType2diabetic patients (n=45,Males=15, Females=30) aged between20-70years, were randomly assigned to combined training (n=15), aerobic training (n=15) or a control group (n=15). Before and after12weeks of training, depression, glycosylated haemoglobin, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, blood pressure, and quality of life were assessed. Participants in the two exercise groups were subjected to a60minute exercise three times per week for12weeks. Data were analysed using SPSS17.0. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare differences between the groups before and after training. Besides, unpaired Student’s t-test was also used to compare changes in measured outcomes at baseline and after training.ResultsAfter training, reduction in depression was greater in the combined training group (58%,10.9±7.4to4.5±3.8, p<0.01). HbA1c was significantly reduced in both training groups but was greater in the combined training group (8.5±0.4to7.8±0.3%, p<0.05) than the aerobic group (8.2±0.5to8.0±0.5%, p<0.05). Blood pressure and FBG were also similarly decreased in both training groups but not in the control group. Improvements in quality of life and exercise capacity were seen in both exercise groups.ConclusionCombined training is a more effective form of exercise training than aerobic exercise alone in improving depression, glycemic control and blood pressure in Ghanaian patients with type2diabetes.