The effect of an aerobic exercise training program on quality of life in type 2 diabetes.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of 10 weeks of moderate aerobic exercise training on quality of life (QOL) and selected physiological parameters in previously sedentary persons with diabetes.

METHODS

A quality-of-life survey (SF36v2 health survey) and measurement of physiological parameters were completed before and after 10 weeks of supervised aerobic exercise training 3 days a week for 20 to 45 minutes by subjects with diabetes (n = 9) and control subjects (n = 10). Nontraining subjects with diabetes (n = 12) and control subjects (n = 10) also completed the QOL survey at equivalent times.

RESULTS

Participants in all groups had similar characteristics. A training effect was evident in exercisers, with an increase in lactate threshold and a decrease in percent body fat for both groups. Training did not affect body mass index or interstitial nitric oxide levels. Physical and mental component scores on the QOL survey in the training and nontraining groups did not differ significantly before or after the training, and diabetes status had no significant effect on these scores.

CONCLUSIONS

No physiological changes were significantly associated with scores on the SF36v2 health survey. In addition, neither training nor the presence of type 2 diabetes significantly affected the physical or mental component scores on the QOL survey.