Abstract
Introduction
Thrombotic events in Type-2 diabetes are influenced by elevated plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). This study compares the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on PAI-1 level in Type-2 diabetic women.
Material and methods
Twenty-six women with Type-2 diabetes were recruited and assigned to two groups; of these, 18 completed the study: a HIIT group (n = 8, 42.1 ± 6.8 years, 33.1 ± 4.95 kg/m2) and a MICT group (n = 10, 41.1 ± 2.9 years, 35.2 ± 2.6 kg/m2). Outcome measures were PAI-1, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and body mass index (BMI). The HIIT group performed 4 × 4-min working phases at 85–90% of peak HR (heart rate), followed by 3-min active rest intervals. At 65–75% of peak HR, the MICT group exercised for 30 minutes. Both exercise interventions included a warm-up and a cool-down period and were performed on a treadmill for eight weeks.
Results
The HIIT group showed significant reductions in PAI-1 (29.09 ± 2.67 vs. 37.42 ± 3.52 ng/mL, p < 0.001) and HBA1c (6.45 ± 0.50 vs. 8.34 ± 0.44%, p < 0.001) compared to baseline. The MICT group showed significant reductions in PAI-1 (30.37 ± 2.92 vs. 38.49 ± 2.40 ng/mL, p < 0.001) and HbA1c (6.78 ± 0.36 vs. 8.15 ± 0.63%, p < 0.001) compared to baseline. The differences in these outcomes between groups were not significant. BMI was not significantly changed in either group.
Conclusions
MICT could be as effective as HIIT for reducing elevated PAI-1 and HbA1c levels in obese women with Type 2 diabetes, regardless of BMI changes. However, the less vigorous MICT may be preferable in this patient population to improve fibrinolysis and hyperglycemia.