Does home-based exercise improve body mass index in patients with type 2 diabetes? Results of a feasibility trial.
OBJECTIVE
This feasibility trial evaluated the use, safety, and short-term benefits of a home-based exercise intervention designed to increase physical activity among adults with diabetes.


METHODS
Participants with type 2 diabetes in a group practice were recruited and randomly assigned to the home-based exercise intervention or usual care. Participants were given diabetes self-management education, instructed to exercise 30 min 5 days/week, and were followed for 3 months. The intervention contained three exercise routines (aerobic and resistance exercises). Outcomes included changes from baseline at 3 months between groups in body mass index (BMI), quality of life, A1C, and blood pressure.


RESULTS
Seventy-six sedentary adults completed the study: 49% intervention group, 68% women, 47% black, mean age 56.6+/-9.6 years. Using intention to treat analysis, a trend towards improvement between groups for BMI (mean change -0.4 versus 0.1, respectively; P=0.06) was identified. Thirty-eight percent of the intervention group adhered to 80% of the exercise recommendation and significantly improved BMI (-1.07; P<0.05). No other differences were detected between groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Home-based exercise interventions have potential to reduce BMI in patients with diabetes. The results provide variance estimates necessary to power a larger study of longer duration.
Krousel-Wood
M A
MA
Ochsner Clinic Foundation, Center for Health Research, New Orleans, LA 70121, United States. mawood@ochsner.org
Berger
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Jiang
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Blonde
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Myers
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Webber
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D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D015444:Exercise; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011788:Quality of Life; D012648:Self Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires