Abstract
BackgroundPhysical inactivity is prevalent in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and may exacerbate their clinical symptoms. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of 4-h regular versus more dynamic standing sessions while performing routine desktop activities as a non-exercise physical activity intervention in older adults with T2DM to increase non-exercise activity.MethodsTwelve older adult patients with T2DM (3 female; age 71 ± 4 years; Body mass index 34 ± 5 kg/m2) completed three sessions (baseline sitting followed by “static” or “dynamic” desktop standing sessions). Participants stood behind a regular height-adjustable desk in the “static” standing session. An upright dynamic standing desk, which provides cues to make small weight-shifting movements, was used for the “dynamic” standing session. Oxygen consumption, cognitive performance, as well as net standing duration, total movement activity, and musculoskeletal discomfort were assessed during all three sessions.ResultsAll participants were able to complete all sessions. Oxygen consumption and overall movements progressively increased from sitting to static and dynamic standing, respectively (p < 0.001). The duration of breaks during standing (p = 0.024) and rate of total musculoskeletal discomfort development (p = 0.043) were lower in the dynamic standing compared to static standing sessions. There was no evidence of executive cognitive worsening during either standing session compared to sitting.ConclusionsProlonged 4-h standing as a simple non-exercise physical intervention is feasible in older adults with T2DM and may have metabolic (oxygen consumption) benefits. Increasing movement during desktop standing may offer incremental benefits compared to regular standing. Prolonged desktop standing might provide an effective intervention in T2DM older participants to target sedentariness.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04410055), retrospectively registered May 27, 2020.
Highlights
Physical inactivity is prevalent in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and may exacerbate their clinical symptoms
The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of 4h standing sessions while performing routine desktop activities as a non-exercise physical activity intervention in older adults with T2DM to increase non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT)
Primary outcome measure: oxygen consumption A significant effect of condition was found for Oxygen consumption (VO2) consumption (F2,22 = 40.862, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.788)
Summary
Physical inactivity is prevalent in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and may exacerbate their clinical symptoms. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of 4-h regular versus more dynamic standing sessions while performing routine desktop activities as a non-exercise physical activity intervention in older adults with T2DM to increase non-exercise activity. Sedentary behavior has been strongly associated with the development of diabetes mellitus [7]. The modern home- and workplace environment promote sedentary behavior. This is further exacerbated by significant barriers to exercise and physical activity in T2DM patients, such as poor tolerance to physical effort, development of pain with physical activity, and lack of motivation [8]. Older adult T2DM patients are more likely to be physically inactive and adherence to an exercise program to meet recommended minimum guidelines appears to be an elusive goal in these patients [9]
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