This experimental research design, randomized two group pre-posttest, conducted to examine the effects of arm swing exercise (ASE) program on HbA1C and nutritional status in persons with type 2 diabetes.
Methods:
Persons with type 2 diabetes from Sub-district Health Promoting Hospital, Nonthaburi Province, Thailand, were recruited following the inclusion criteria including diagnosed type 2 diabetes by physician, treated by oral antidiabetic drug, without complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, heart disease and cerebro-vascular disease, having Hb A1C > 7 %, aged > 18 years , be able to perform ASE, willingly able to communicate in Thai language via telephone and signed the informed consent form. Termination criteria were being hospitalized or complications and practicing ASE less than 90 minutes per week. Potential participants were randomly selected and divided into two groups: an experimental group and a control group with 35 participants each. The experimental group received the ASE program including diabetes and lifestyle modification knowledge, demonstration and return demonstration of ASE, ASE assignment at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week or at least 150 minutes/week for 12 weeks at home, telephone follow-up approximately 20 minutes/time , and group discussion for 60 minutes. The control group received routine nursing care. Data were collected before and after the intervention using a demographic questionnaire, HbA1C, waist circumference, body mass index, visceral fat and skeletal muscle; and were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, Paired t-test and Independent t-test.
Results: The findings showed that after the ASE program, the experimental group had significantly lower average of HbA1C, waist circumference, body mass index and visceral fat as well as higher average of skeletal muscle when compared with before the program (p < .01, p < .001, p < .001, p < .001, p < .001, respectively). Average of waist circumference, body mass index, visceral fat and skeletal muscle in the experimental group were not significant when compared with the control group. However, the experimental group had significantly lower average of HbA1C when compared with the control group (p < .05).
Conclusion:
The ASE Program demonstrated improving blood sugar level and nutritional status. It should be recommended to apply in persons with type 2 diabetes in order to improve HbA1C, waist circumference, body mass index, visceral fat and skeletal muscle. This will help to promote health and prevent complications of diabetes. The further study should be studied to compare duration of the ASE for suitable outcomes.