EFFECT OF LOW-INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING ON BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVEL AMONG PATIENTS OF TYPE-II DIABETES MELLITUS IN SELECTED ENDOCRINE CLINICS ZARIA METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the efficacy of a structured low-intensity interval training (LIIT) program on blood glucose levels in patients diagnosed with Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) within selected endocrine clinics in Zaria, Nigeria. Employing a one-group repeated measures pre-test/post-test design, the research purposively sampled fifteen (15) paticipants from 108 patient with age limit of 28-56 year and above of T2DM patients who met predefined inclusion criteria and demonstrated readiness for physical activity. The intervention spanned nine weeks, with training sessions
held three times weekly (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) between 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM. Each session was carefully structured to last between 30 and 45 minutes, incorporating essential warm-up and cool-down phases. The intensity of the LIIT progressively increased, starting at 20% of maximum heart rate (HRmax) for the initial three weeks, advancing to 30% HRmax for weeks 4-6, and culminating at 40% HRmax for weeks 7-9. Blood glucose levels were meticulously monitored at four distinct time points: baseline (week 0), week 3, week 6, and week 9, utilizing a glucometer kit, with
treadmill exercise serving as the primary mode of intervention delivery. Data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis, and hypotheses were rigorously tested using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures, at a predetermined significance level of P<0.05. The findings unequivocally demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in blood glucose levels observed from the 3rd, 6th, and 9th weeks of the intervention (P<0.000). This compelling evidence leads to the conclusion that a 3-to-9-week low-intensity interval training regimen is highly effective
in decreasing blood glucose levels among Type II Diabetes Mellitus patients attending endocrine clinics in Zaria, Nigeria. Consequently, it is strongly recommended that LIIT be integrated and sustained as a practical and beneficial approach for the ongoing management of blood glucose in this patient population within the Zaria metropolis.