Intensity Over Effort: Exercise Prescription Strategies for Glycemic Control

Authors

Oscar Chavez Jr., University of New MexicoFollow
Marissa Ramirez, University of New MexicoFollow
Jacob Dawes, University of New MexicoFollow
Isaac Chapman, University of New MexicoFollow
Kosar Valaei, University of New MexicoFollow
Maja Gebauer, University of New MexicoFollow
Christine Mermier, University of New MexicoFollow
Jonathan Little FACSM, University of British ColumbiaFollow
Luotao Lin, University of New MexicoFollow
Gretchen Ray, University of New MexicoFollow
Roberto M. Alvidrez, University of New MexicoFollow
Zachary Mang, University of New MexicoFollow
Fabiano T. Amorim, University of New MexicoFollow
Valmor Tricoli, University of Sao PauloFollow
Flavio de Castro Magalhaes, University of New MexicoFollow

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Resistance exercise (RE) is effective in mitigating the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and prediabetes, but long-term adherence is low in these populations. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices are important tools in clinical practices to assist glycemic control. Previous meta-analysis shows the functionality of CGM devices among different exercise modalities but mentions the lack of studies with controlled diet and physical activity levels in free-living conditions. PURPOSE: To examine whether perceived effort during RE influences glycemic control and psychological outcomes in individuals with prediabetes and T2D using CGM under free-living conditions. METHODS: In randomized order, 25 individuals (11 with prediabetes, 14 with T2D) performed a control (CTRL) and 3 RE session targeting the major muscle groups: a high-load (HI; 3 sets per exercise, 8 repetitions per set, 120 seconds of rest between sets, with a load of 75% 1RM), a rest redistribution (RR; 6 sets per exercise, 4 repetitions per set, and 59 seconds of rest between sets, with a load of 75% 1RM), and a low-load (LL; 3 sets per exercise, 16 repetitions per set, 103 seconds of rest between sets, with a load of 37.5% 1RM). Sessions were matched for total volume-load. Psychological responses were recorded during and post RE sessions. CGM collected ~48 hours of blood glucose. Diet was controlled for, and physical activity levels were assessed by accelerometry. RESULTS: Perceived effort was greater in HI compared to all situations (p=0.0001), but no changes in self-efficacy, enjoyment, or discomfort (p>0.05) were noted among RE sessions. Average 24h post-session glucose levels were not different (p=0.56). CTRL had higher afternoon glucose levels in baseline (p=0.002) but not in HI, RR, or LL (p>0.05). Nocturnal glucose levels were lower in HI and RR (p0.05). LL saw an increase in glucose levels from baseline to the next morning (p=0.04). CONCLUSION: In matched total volume-load RE, perceived effort was not associated with improvements in free-living glycemic control, nor with psychological outcomes in individuals with prediabetes and T2D.

Recommended Citation

Chavez, Oscar Jr.; Ramirez, Marissa; Dawes, Jacob; Chapman, Isaac; Valaei, Kosar; Gebauer, Maja; Mermier, Christine; Little, Jonathan FACSM; Lin, Luotao; Ray, Gretchen; Alvidrez, Roberto M.; Mang, Zachary; Amorim, Fabiano T.; Tricoli, Valmor; and de Castro Magalhaes, Flavio (2025) "Intensity Over Effort: Exercise Prescription Strategies for Glycemic Control," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 14: Iss. 5, Article 9.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol14/iss5/9