Compensatory mechanisms from different exercise intensities in type 2 diabetes: a secondary analysis of a 1-year randomized controlled trial

AimsThis investigation aimed to determine the effect of different intensities of training on non-exercise physical activity (NEPA) and estimated thermogenesis (NEAT) from a 1-year exercise randomized controlled trial (RCT) in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on non-training days. Additionally, changes in NEPA and estimated NEAT in those who failed (low-responders) or succeeded (high-responders) in attaining exercise-derived clinically meaningful reductions in body weight (BW) and fat mass (FM) (i.e., 6% for FM and 3% for BW) was assessed.MethodsIndividuals with T2DM (n = 80) were enrolled in a RCT with three groups: resistance training combined with moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and a control group. Of the 80 participants, 56 (completed data) were considered for this secondary analysis. NEPA and estimated NEAT were obtained by accelerometry and body composition through dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.ResultsAfter adjustments, no time*group interactions were found for estimated NEAT in the MICT (beta = - 5.33, p = 0.366) and HIIT (beta = - 5.70, p = 0.283), as well as for NEPA in the MICT (beta = - 452.83, p = 0.833) and HIIT (beta = - 2770.76, p = 0.201), when compared to controls. No compensatory changes in NEPA and estimated NEAT were observed when considering both low-responders and high-responders to FM and BW when compared to controls.ConclusionsBoth MICT and HIIT did not result in any compensatory changes in estimated NEAT and NEPA with the intervention on non-training days. Moreover, no changes in estimated NEAT and NEPA were found when categorizing our participants as low-responders and high-responders to FM and BW when compared to controls.Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov ID.NCT03144505.

Automated summary

This study aimed to investigate the impact of different training intensities on non-exercise physical activity (NEPA) and estimated thermogenesis (NEAT) in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on non-training days. The results showed that moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) did not lead to compensatory changes in NEPA and estimated NEAT. Additionally, no differences in NEPA and estimated NEAT were observed between low-responders and high-responders in terms of fat mass (FM) and body weight (BW) reduction.