Diabetes Care, Vol 7, Issue 1 57-62, Copyright © 1984 by American Diabetes Association
Effects of a physical activity program on metabolic control and cardiovascular fitness in children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
BN Campaigne, TB Gilliam, ML Spencer, RM Lampman and MA Schork
The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of a regular
vigorous physical activity program on children aged 5-11 yr with
insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). The experimental group of
children (N = 9) took part in a 30-min vigorous exercise program three
times a week for 12 wk; the control group (N = 10) did not. Hemoglobin A1
(HbA1) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were used to determine metabolic
control. Oxygen consumption was evaluated by treadmill testing and analyses
of expired air. The experimental group significantly (P less than 0.05)
decreased their HbA1 and FBG while the control group showed no change. The
experimental group significantly (P less than 0.05) increased their peak
aerobic capacity (ml/kg . min) when compared with baseline values (47.14
+/- 1.94 versus 50.69 +/- 1.30). It was concluded that a carefully applied
program of regular vigorous physical activity can beneficially influence
metabolic control and cardiovascular fitness in young children with IDDM.