The potential of an e-cycling intervention to positively impact physical activity and health in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Oral Presentation B9.3

Authors

  • Jessica E. Bourne University of Bristol; NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre
  • Ashley R. Cooper University of Bristol; NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol
  • Sam Leary NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol
  • Clare England NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol
  • Dylan Thompson University of Bath
  • Robert Andrews University of Exeter
  • Charlie Foster NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol
  • Angie Page University of Bristol; NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.545

Keywords:

E-Cycling, Physical Activity, Behaviour Change, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Research suggests that e-cycling can positively impact physical activity (PA) behaviour and lead to improvements in fitness in healthy adults. Little is known about the impact of e-cycling in clinical populations for whom PA engagement is low. Purpose: Examine the association between an e-cycling intervention and PA and health in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to determine intervention promise. Methods: A parallel-group two-arm randomized waitlist-controlled pilot study was conducted. Forty eligible individuals were randomized into either the e-cycling intervention (Mage=58, 40%Female) or waitlist control (Mage=56, 35%Female). Participants in the e-cycling condition received e-bike training prior to a 12-week e-bike loan. Health outcomes, assessed at pretesting and immediately after the loan, included fasting glucose, HOMA-IR, cardiorespiratory fitness and health related quality of life (HRQoL). Overall PA was measured using the GT3X+ Actigraph accelerometer and PA intensity during e-cycling was measured using the Actiheart. Results: There was a favourable effect of the intervention on fasting glucose (difference in change scores between conditions: 0.67, 95%CI: -0.77, 2.11mmol/L) and HOMA-IR (0.58, 95%CI: -.033, 1.50). The intervention showed promise to improve HRQoL and cardiorespiratory fitness in comparison to the control group. E-cycling was performed at a moderate intensity (median%HR max=72%, IQR: 67, 80). There was an 18-minute increase in PA per week in the intervention group (95%CI: -84.72, 120.15), not seen in the control group (-27.64, 95%CI: -170.33, 79.61). Conclusions: E-cycling shows promise to positively impact health and PA in adults with T2DM and a fully-powered definitive trial is warranted. Funding: This study is funded by the National Institute for Health Research NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (Nutrition theme) at University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and The University of Bristol.

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Bourne, J., Cooper, A., Leary, S., England, C., Thompson, D., Andrews, R., Foster, C., & Page, A. (2021). The potential of an e-cycling intervention to positively impact physical activity and health in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: Oral Presentation B9.3. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.545