Training With Joba Core Trainer For Obese Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) and weight control are important in diabetes prevention and management. However, PA programs often fail to achieve optimal results in diabetic patients. The Joba® Core Trainer (JOBA) is an ergometric device, simulating horseback riding, which has been proved to improve insulin sensitivity in diabetic patients.1 PURPOSE: To assess if a training program with JOBA improves endothelial function, glycaemic control, and body mass in obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS: 24 obese pts. with DM were randomly allocated either to an Exercise (EX) group (3 sessions with JOBA/week for 12 weeks) or to usual care (C). Endothelial function, fasting glucose, insulin, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C), body weight and composition were measured before and after the intervention. RESULTS: In the C group no significant changes were observed. In the EX group the endothelial-dependent (ED) dilation of the brachial artery significantly increased after training (4.6±3.2 vs. 7.0±3.6, p<0.045). Although fasting glucose was significantly reduced (142.0±41.9 vs. 118.7±40.8, p<0.001), HbA1C and insulin levels were not. Finally, Body Mass Index (BMI) and Fat Mass (FM) were not influenced by the intervention.TABLECONCLUSION: Training with JOBA resulted in a slight increase of ED vasodilation. Little effect, if any, was observed on glycaemic control. The training program did not affect body mass. It may be that the training intensity of JOBA exerts a favourable effect on vascular function, but it is not sufficient to influence metabolic control and body mass of obese pts. with DM. 1Kubota M et al. Mechanical horseback riding improves insulin sensitivity in elder diabetic patients. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2006;71:124-30