Evaluation of Practical Exercise Tools for People with Type 2 Diabetes: Resistance Bands and the MyWellness Key Accelerometer
Abstract
There is a need for practical tools to facilitate exercise, an important component of type 2 diabetes (T2D) management. Thesis objectives included: 1) determine the accuracy of the MyWellness Key (MWK) accelerometer in people with T2D; 2) complete a systematic review and meta-analysis of resistance band training (RBT) in T2D; and 3) propose and initiate a randomized exercise trial utilizing MWK accelerometers and RBT. The MWK accelerometer was validated against objective treadmill testing and physical activity diaries in people with T2D (n=35). The waist-mounted MWK was quite accurate at determining exercise volume and discriminating between exercise intensities, however the bra MWK consistently underestimated exercise intensity. The meta-analysis of seven trials showed that RBT non-significantly improved glycemic control and significantly increased strength in the lower, but not the upper, extremities in people with T2D.