The effect of real-time monitoring of physical activity intensity in diabetic patients

Aim To evaluate the effects of an intensity display type accelerometer on diabetic patients' physical activity. Methods This was a two-arm, non-randomized controlled study. Both groups received information about the recommendation of 150 min/week moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The intervention group used an intensity display type accelerometer to monitor their physical activity intensity for 10 days at baseline and 3 months later. We compared intervention and control groups after 3 and 6 months. Primary outcomes were MVPA and number of steps over 7 days. Secondary outcomes were glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), body mass index, and self-management. Results Of 62 participants, 30 and 32 were included in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Mean age in each group was 59.7 +/- 10.8 and 58.8 +/- 10.2 years, and mean HbA1c was 6.9 +/- 0.9% and 6.9 +/- 0.8%, respectively. There were no significant differences between the intervention and control groups at either time point, and no outcomes showed significant changes. In a subgroup analysis by physical activity intensity, MVPA of active individuals in the control group significantly decreased at 6 months from baseline. MVPA and number of steps among inactive individuals in the intervention group significantly increased at 6 months from baseline. Self-management of the intervention group showed a trend toward improvement, but HbA1c and body mass index showed no significant change. Conclusions Monitoring physical activity intensity led to increased MVPA of inactive patients and maintained MVPA of active patients with diabetes mellitus. This straightforward intervention could be applied in clinical practice.