Background/Purpose: The prevalence of type II diabetes is increasing with an increase in sedentary lifestyle. Aerobic exercise has been shown to reduce the percent of glycolated hemoglobin (HbA1C%) in type II diabetics. Yet, resistance exercise has not been fully researched into the potential benefits on individuals that have insulin resistance. The research has also shown controversial results, in regards to the effectiveness of anaerobic exercise as a positive treatment. We conducted a meta-analysis to determine the magnitude and direction of resistance exercise on HbA1c % in type II diabetics.
Method: Articles were searched from 1998 to the present using PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science, Physical Education Index, Science Direct, Google Scholar, EBSCO Host, and ProQuest. Inclusion criteria consisted of pre-test, intervention, and post-test design. Data were extracted on participant and intervention characteristics, and outcome measures.
Analysis/Results: Of 38 potentially relevant articles, 19 effect sizes (ES) from 17 articles were calculated using the random-effects model. Results showed a large and positive effect of resistance exercise on HbA1c % in type II diabetics (Overall ES = 1.08, 95% CI = 0.60, 1.55). Moderator analysis revealed that location of the exercise training program (Q = Qb = 2.05, p = .045) and supervision of the exercise program (Q = Qb = 5.63 p = .018) significantly influenced the effect.
Conclusions: Resistance exercise may be effective in lowering glycolated hemoglobin % in type II diabetics. Along with aerobic exercise, resistance exercise is beneficial in the proper treatment of type II diabetics.
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