Effects of interval training on cardio metabolic risk factors and nitric oxide in type 2 diabetes patients: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of interval training on cardio metabolic risk factors and nitric oxide in type 2 diabetes patients. METHOD: This single blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted at cardiology clinic of Rajaee hospital in Karaj. Thirty female patients with type 2 diabetes randomly assigned to interval training exercise (n = 15) and control (n = 15). In interval training exercise patients received interval training exercise with 18 sessions (three sessions per week). Each training session took 25 min and consists a single set of exercise with 10 time repetitions. Training was performed on a cycle ergometer set in constant watt mode at a pedal cadence of 80–100 revolutions/min. Each repetition of the training takes 60 s and there will be a 60 s recovery pried between each repetition. Each training session include a 3-min warm-up and 2-min cool-down at 50 W for a total of 25 min. Blood samples and of all the subjects were taken at baseline, 3 weeks after intervention and at the end of the study (6 weeks). RESULTS: In intervention group, comparing with controls participants, a significant decrease were observed in levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride and HA1c after training program (p 0.05). CONCLUSION: Results of current study showed that interval training as a type of planned physical activity can be effective in lowering cardiovascular risk factors, especially lowering cholesterol and triglycerides, and can also have a beneficial effect on improving NO.