1. Introduction
Type 2 diabetes becomes one of the most serious problems of health services in developed countries. The basic therapeutic strategy remains decreasing of the need of insulin in the organism. Correction of diet and increase of physical activity are fundamental for the beginning of therapy. Physical activity (PA) of specified intensity and duration intervenes in complication of the physiological and pathophysiological processes on the central and peripheral parts of the body. The role of physical activity and its effect on diabetes have been observed for a long time. The impact of PA on metabolical control of type 2 diabetes is positive. Many studies about the relationship of exercise and type 2 diabetes, which are mentioned, in the work of Albright [1] , agree that the endurant aerobic form of training improves glucose tolerance and values of glycosylated haemoglobin A1c. The regular PA also influences the lipid spectrum, decreases total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and increases HDL-cholesterol. There is speci- fic variability of expected effect depending on behavioral and diet arrangements, on intensity and duration of exercise, the whole time period of motion inter- venetion. Reduction of body weight is related with PA which leads to enhance- ment of insulin resistance and also decline of blood pressure.
The interval training belongs to the less used methods in spite that it is de- mons-trably effective thanks to the patient’s ability to exercise at higher inten- sity. However, complex influence of interval form of exercise on the parameters of compensation of type 2 diabetes is not elaborated in literature [2] [3] .
The aim of this study was to determine the long-term effect of exercise program consisting with the interval form of exercise to parameters of compen- sation of type 2 diabetes.
2. Subjects and Methods
This study is in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki of the World Me- dical Association. The approval by the Ethics Committee of respective institu- tion was given in.
The searching group consisted of 43 people with diabetes type 2, with hyper- tension and dyslipidemia. They were randomized to 2 groups. Inclusion criteria were obese patients with type 2 diabetes treated by diet, peroral antidiabetics (PAD) or insulin, age between 55 - 75 yaers old with good longterm compensa- tion of diabetes and hypertension. Exclusion criteria were decompen- sation of diabetes, any manifestation of cardiovascular diseases meaning acute heart attack in history. Main group consisted of 21 subjects (11 men, 10 women) average was 65.29 ± 10.67 with duration of diabetes 14.57 ± 9.99. In the control group were 22 diabetics(10 men, 12 women) type 2 with average age 67.4 ± 8.4 years, duration of diabetes 16.6 ± 5.8. There were not any changes at treatment of type 2 diabetes during the program. A complex internal examination on the subjectsincluding biochemical determination of blood and urinewas focused on parameters of diabetic control, insulin sensitivity (ITT, HOMA index―average values measured parameters before and after intervention―Tables 1-4). Bioche- mical examination, insulin sensitivity and HOMA index: the blood samples for determination of these parameters were always realized in 8 am. Insulin- Humulin R (Actrapid Penfill, Novonordisk, A/S, 3 ml, 100 m.u./ml) was used for examination HOMA index and insulin sensitivity, the blood samples for determination of glucose level, C-peptid and insulin levels were taken in 0, 5 and 10 minutes of this test and for glucose level in 13, 16, 19, 22 and 25 minutes.
The HOMA P index, HOMA IR index and assimilation glucose index were calculated from measured values.
Physical fitness parameters (VO2max, Wmax) were assessed from values to the maximum intensity exercise test consist of 3 degrees correspondence to a 1/2, 3/4 and 1 W∙kg−1 and continual increasing test to a subject’s maximum intensity or some limitation of the tested subject. Parameters of the gas blood exchange and heart work were measured by Cardio O2 and CPx/D using software BreezeEx from MedGraphic Company.
Anthropometric measuring: body mass index was calculated as the weight divided by the square of height in meters as usual, WHR was assessed from measured values―circumference of the waist and side, % was determined as a sum of four measured values, skin lash―above m. triceps brachii, above m. biceps brachii, under the shoulder-blade and above the spina illiaca posterior. The measuring was done by caliper (Somet Company)in the standard way and % body fat was assessed from the table according to J. Durnina et al.
Physical fitness program in the searching group: Interval training on bicycle ergometer, duration of the training―50 minutes, 2 to 3 times a week, a total duration two 3-months phases which were separated by walking training for 3 months as instructed (every other day, velocity 4.5 km/hour). Exercise unit consisted of 5 to 10 minutes warm-up phase, then regularly changing the periods of the higher and the lower intensity of the exercise (1 minute on 80% VO2 max∙kg−1 and 4 minutes on 50% VO2 max∙kg−1) and 10 minutes cool-down phase.
Mode of the exercise was assessed by linear regression from submaximal test from parameters VO2 max∙kg−1, W∙kg−1.
Data was calculated using describing statistic methods and relationships be- tween single values were assessed using correlating analyses. Software: Statis- tica.
3. Results
Fitness parameters improved in the main group of diabetics, maximal achieved power in W.kg-1 statistically significantly increased p < 0.05 (Figure 1). Maximal HR and systolic BPhad tendency to improve in relantion to maximal power. VO2 max improved but not statistically significant. Also rest BP shows to be better, diastolic blood pressure p < 0.05 (Figure 1) decreased statistially signifcantly. The level of total cholesterol decreased statistically significantly p < 0.05; average values of LDL-cholesterol decreased about 4.9% and triglycerids about 22,4%; average value of HDL-cholesterol increased about 4.6%; Percentage of body
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Figure 1. Parameters of physical fitness in main group. **statistically significant in 1%, *in 5%, other in 10%, ”without statistical significance.
Fat p < 0.05 (Figure 2) decreased statistially signifcantly. BMI tended to decrease but WHR did not change at all. Fasting plasma glucose levels decreased about 10.5% (Figure 3), HbA1c became lower.Changes of insulin sensitivity (assimi- lation glucose index, HOMA P index) were statistically significant p < 0.05, HOMA IR index had tendency to improving (Figure 4). The comparison of the mean value of parameters in control group befor and after program without participation of exercise indicate tendency to becomeworsebut without statis- tically significant changes, especially parameters of lipid and glucose meta- bolism. All mean values of observed parameters in both groups are mentioned in Tables 1-4.
4. Discussion
In this pilot study the fitness parameters statistically significant improved for maximum performance obtained in W∙kg−1/p < 0.05. Interval training also affected the metabolism of fats, like a number of studies [4] [5] [6] [7] , total cholesterol significantly decreased p < 0.05 , average values of LDL fell by 4.9% and tryglycerids 22, 4%; average HDL increase of 4.6%. Fasting glucose levels decreased by 10.5%, HbA1c levels remained without significant changes. But the positive impact of PA on indicators of glycemic control such as HbA1c or fasting glucose levels shows a number of studies dealing mainly with the continuous type of training [5] - [10] resistant training [11] or the combination of both of the forms [7] [12] . Regular long-term physical training affects insulin sensitivity. Although in our study were no statistically significant changes in insulin sensitivity there is a noticeable trend towards improvement. The force compo- nent of movement contained in the interval training itself share in the improve- ment as well as at the resistant form of training where better results are demonstrably achieved [11] [12] . It relates to improving the muscle function and the muscle mass. The influence of insulin sensitivity can occur without signifi- cant changes in indicators of glycemic control [4] . The positive fact for interval training is that insulin sensitivity may be affected indirectly through weight loss and reduction in total body fat in the abdomen especially in combination with
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Figure 2. Anthropometric parameters in main group. **statistically significant in 1%, *in 5%, other in 10%, ”without statistical significance.
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Figure 3. Parameters of lipid spectrum (main group). **statistically significant in 1%, *in 5%, other in 10%, --without statistical significance.
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Figure 4. Parameters of insulin sensitivity and glucose control (main group). **statisti- cally significant in 1%, *in 5%, other in 10%, without statistical significance.
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Table 1. (a) Anthropometric parameters before; (b) Anthropometric parameters after.
BMI―body mass index, WHR―waist-hip ratio, SD―standard deviation, MG―main group, CG―control group.
BMI―body mass index, WHR―waist-hip ratio, SD―standard deviation, MG―main group, CG―control group.
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Table 2. (a) Parameters of physical fitness before; (b) Parameters of physical fitness after.
Rest BPs―resting systolic blood pressure, Rest BPd―resting diastolic blood pressure, HRmax―maximal heart rate, BPs max―maximum blood pressure, VO2 max∙kg−1―maximal demand of oxygen on kilogram of body weight Wmax∙kg−1―maximum power expressed watts on kilogram of body weight, SD―standard deviation, MG―main group, CG―control group.
Rest BPs―resting systolic blood pressure, Rest BPd―resting diastolic blood pressure, HRmax―maximal heart rate, BPs max―maximum blood pressure, VO2 max∙kg−1―maximal demand of oxygen on kilogram of body weight W max∙kg−1―maximum power expressed watts on kilogram of body weight, SD―standard deviation, MG―main group, CG―control group.
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Table 3. (a) Parameters of lipid spectrum before; (b) Parameters of lipid spectrum after.
CHOL―total cholesterol, LDL―low density lipoprotein, HDL―high density lipoprotein, TGR―triglyce- rids, SD―standard deviation, MG―main group, CG―control group.
CHOL―total cholesterol, LDL―low density lipoprotein, HDL―high density lipoprotein, TGR―triglyce- rids, SD―standard deviation, MG―main group, CG―control group.
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Table 4. (a) Parameters of the insulin sensitivity and glucose control before; (b) Parameters of the insulin sensitivity and glucose after.
SD―standard deviation, HOMA P―homeostatic model analysis, KITT―assimilation glucose index, HbA1c―glycosylated hemoglobin A1c, MG―main group, CG―control group.
SD―standard deviation, HOMA P―homeostatic model analysis, KITT―assimilation glucose index, HbA1c―glycosylated hemoglobin A1c, MG―main group, CG―control group.
adequate movement [13] . Comparing anthropometric para- meters before and after the motion program is found to be significantly decreased values of percent body fat p < 0.05. Body fat is considered a better predictor of CVD risk than aerobic fitness [14] . In contrast to other studies [5] [6] [7] [9] [10] [15] [16] , BMI, WHR remained without statistically significant changes. The changes are reflected more in the combination of physical activity and diet appropriately chosen [10] but in our study was not carried out targeted nutritional interven- tion, only the consultation and recommendations for changes in dietary habits.
The resulting effect of regular physical activity of some magnitude and duration is reduction of resting and submaximal values of heart rate and blood pressure. Praet et al. [2] combines a form of resistance training with interval form with a resulting positive effect on the muscle function and the blood pressure. In our study we found statistically significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure, sleep p < 0.05. Peripheral vascular resistance is reduced and blood flow to muscle is increased [17] [18] , which may be due to a reduction or increase in vasoconstrict tone or vasodilatory endothelial fiction. Physical training reduces the sympathetic nervous system activity [19] [20] and corrects the heart rate variability and heart rate.
Summation of responses to periodic physical activity and adaptive changes occur to improve the economy of cardiac work and glycemic control of type 2 diabetes.Generally, it is recommended a combination of endurance forms of exercise with resistant forms of training based on American Diabetes Associa- tion and clinical studies, the minimum energy expenditure should amount to 1000 kcal per week [1] [21] . Continuous aerobic physical exercise (walking, riding a bicycle ergometer or on the bike and run) has a significant influence on physical fitness expressed VO2 max [4] [7] [10] [15] [22] [23] [24] . However, it must be attained a certain level of intensity of exercise (between 60% - 85% VO2 max) [5] [25] . In most published studies agree on mild to moderate a load intensity of 40% - 60% VO2 max length of 30 - 90 minutes, 2 - 6× a week. The intensity of the exercise equivalent to 60% VO2 max is considered sufficient to bring about the changes related to fitness [25] [26] , it is not always achieved significant changes in parameters of glycemic control [27] [28] yet. Achieve and sustain a particular intensity above the load may be limitations on the imple- mentation and the effect of physical activity for patients with complications or low fitness. Interval training which is less used by the type of training for diabetics contains a short phase of work alternating with short phases of rest or rotation of the exercise of a higher intensity and exercise of less intensity according to the patient’s fitness. The result is to achieve greater stimulation of the muscles and cardiovascular system than during training at steady state. It is especially suitable for patients with low aerobic capacity.
Limitations of exercise and determination of the optimal intensity are dependent on anamnestic datas, physical and mental dispositions of the patient and especially on results of the exercise test with analysis of ventilation para- meters. Also there are some other facts affecting the results of the study such as inhomogeneity and a small sample of diabetics. Important roles as well as the limitations of success is the motivation and adherence to a given motion program.
5. Conclusions
Physical intervention significantly influenced some of the parameters studied. Physical fitness increased in study group, and the parameters of lipid and glycemic control improved.
Interval training positively affects the complex system of metabolic processes due to the large proportion of the continuously alternating sections of loads of lower and higher intensity. It contains both static and dynamic component, and it combines elements of endurance and resistant forms of training. Interval training allows you to achieve and maintain an overall higher intensity of the exercise and the anticipated, improved metabolic and cardiovascular effects. The motivation and adherence to a given intervention program play an important role in success. Interval training is better structured and more interesting for patients better time tolerated due to changes in intensity during training without interruption. According to our results, interval training is very good and effective alternative to diversity training for patient.
Acknowledgements
This work was performed without any special financial support or technical assistance. The interventional project was part of standartized process of the therapy for patiens with type 2 diabetes who wanted to participate on special offered programms of physical therapy.