Postprandial Physical Activity and Glycemic Response of Healthy Adults

Authors

• Joelee Cummings, Lehman College City University of New YorkFollow
• Douglas OberlinFollow
• Timothy Mui, CUNY Lehman CollegeFollow
• Adam E. Mohan, CUNY Lehman CollegeFollow
• Thinh Le, CUNY Lehman CollegeFollow

Abstract

Title: Postprandial Physical Activity and Glycemic Response of Healthy Adults

JOELEE CUMMINGS, ADAM E. MOHAN, THINH LE, TIMOTHY MUI, D.J. OBERLIN

Department of Exercise Sciences and Recreation, CUNY, Lehman College, Bronx, NY

Category: Undergraduate

Advisor / Mentor: Oberlin, DJ ([email protected])

ABSTRACT

Elevated postprandial glycemia is associated with risk of diabetes and other metabolic diseases. Physical activity (PA) has been shown to lower postprandial glycemia. PURPOSE: This study compared the effects of two modes of PA, walking and stepping on postprandial glucose levels.  METHODS: Adults >18 years were recruited for this study. Participants came in on four non-consecutive days. On the first, a Dexcom G7 continuous glucose monitor (CGM) was placed, and resting heart rate (HR) was recorded. Participants’ blood glucose was measured using a fingerstick prior to each session, to calibrate the CGM.  At each session, participants ingested a 75g glucose drink.  After consuming the 75 g glucose drink, participants remained sedentary for 45 mins. before a 15-minute intervention of, sitting, treadmill walking, or step-ups, then returning to seated for the remaining 60 mins.  The intervention order was randomized.  Blood glucose concentrations were recorded at -10, 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, and 120 mins. The first PA was performed at 30% HR reserve; HR and VO2 were monitored. The second PA intervention was matched to the VO2 of the first. Repeated Measures ANOVA was used to compare the glucose over time across the sessions.  RESULTS: Seventeen participants (9 female, 8 male; age 26.1 ± 7.2 years) completed the study.  There were main effects of intervention type (F=18.31, p CONCLUSION: A single 15-minute bout of light PA performed after glucose ingestion lowered postprandial glycemia in healthy adults relative to rest. When energy expenditure was matched, there was no significant difference in glycemic responses between the two PA interventions.

Recommended Citation

Cummings, Joelee; Oberlin, Douglas; Mui, Timothy; Mohan, Adam E.; and Le, Thinh (2026) "Postprandial Physical Activity and Glycemic Response of Healthy Adults," International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 15: Iss. 9, Article 20.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol15/iss9/20