Online Physical Exercise and Group Sessions to Increase and Maintain Physical Activity in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: A Single-Arm Feasibility Study

Abstract

Current physical activity interventions for individuals with Type 2 diabetes do not accommodate the needs of the individual in terms of content, time, and location. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an 8-week high intensity online physical exercise intervention combined with online group meetings and supported by an activity watch in individuals with Type 2 diabetes. This study was designed as a one-armed feasibility study and the intervention was developed using a co-creation approach. A total of 19 individuals with Type 2 diabetes participated in eight weeks of 30 min online physical exercise intervention followed by 30 min online group meetings in smaller groups once a week. Outcomes included pre-defined research progression criteria, secondary measurements of health parameters, and participant feedback. Most research progression criteria reached a level of acceptance, with the exception of participant recruitment, burden of objectively measured physical activity, and adverse events, where changes are needed before continuing to an RCT. Combining online physical exercise with online group meetings supported by an activity watch is feasible and acceptable in individuals with Type 2 diabetes with a higher educational level compared to the general population with Type 2 diabetes.