Exercise Training Improves Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System Activity in Type 1 Diabetic Children

Abstract

[Purpose] We investigated the effect exercise training has on cardiac autonomic nervous system (ANS) and cardiovascular risk profiles in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). [Subjects] Fifteen type 1 DM children (all boys; 13.0±1.0 years of age) were enrolled in the study. [Methods] The subjects received exercise training three times a week in a 12-week program. Each child was asked to walk on a treadmill to achieve an exercise intensity of VO2max 60%. ANS activity was measured by power spectral analysis of the electrocardiogram (ECG). Blood samples were obtained for serum lipid profiles. To evaluate Doppler-shifted Fourier pulsatility index (PI) analysis, a 5-MHz continuous wave Doppler (VASCULAB D10) set was used to measure forward blood flow velocity (FLOW) in the radial artery. [Results] Total and low-frequency (LF) power of heart rate variability increased significantly after exercise intervention. Total cholesterol (TC) levels were significant lower after exercise intervention. Total and high-frequency (HF) power were significantly correlated with higher TC levels, but diastolic blood pressure and HF was significantly correlated with lower TC levels. [Conclusion] Regular exercise intervention should be prescribed for children with type 1 DM.

A Systematic Review of Physical Activity and Exercise on Physiological and Biochemical Outcomes in Children and Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes

“…Two of the four studies (Gusso et al., ; Nguyen et al., ) showed an overall significant reduction in VO 2 max, particularly in diabetics with poor glycemic control ( p < .05). In comparison, there was no statistical difference between diabetic and control adolescents after exercise compared with before exercise ( p > .05) (Adolfsson et al., ; Shin et al., ). It is notable that cardiorespiratory fitness can be maintained with light‐ to moderate‐intensity exercise and good glycemic control in children and adolescents with T1D.…”

“…The five remaining studies yielded relatively consistent results about glycemic control and PA. Regardless of type, duration, and frequency of the exercise, four studies (Gusso et al., ; Nguyen et al., ; Shin et al., ; Tomar et al., ) showed no significant associations between PA and HbA1c. In the fifth study by Carabott Pawley et al.…”

Peripheral heart action (PHA) training as a valid substitute to high intensity interval training to improve resting cardiovascular changes and autonomic adaptation

“…Green et al (2008) demonstrated that adaptation to exercise induced a decrease in resting blood pressure, which is similar to antihypertensive drug therapy. These changes in blood pressure may be associated with changes in its autonomic regulative function as both blood pressure and cardiovascular autonomic function can be improved with exercise training (Pagani et al 1988;Loimaala et al 2003;Timmers et al 2004;Shin et al 2014). …”

Feasibility of an online intervention (STAK-D) to promote physical activity in children with type 1 diabetes: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

“…Interventions to increase physical activity in paediatric T1DM have commonly focussed upon structured aerobic or resistance exercise training [11, 20]. These interventions work well for young people who are already active but for those children who are less active, promoting lifestyle physical activity (such as walking, active play, etc.)…”