This study aims to elucidate the factors affecting the outcomes of the GLFS-25 in older adults with glucose intolerance who undergo exercise therapy.
We conducted a study involving 64 older adults diagnosed with glucose intolerance (mean HbA1c: 7.4 ± 1.1%). Participants engaged in a structured exercise therapy program that involved at least 40 minutes of exercise once a week for 24 weeks. To evaluate physical function impairments, we used the GLFS-25 questionnaire, while the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) assessed participants' physical activity levels. Knee extension strength was also measured to gauge exercise capability. Additionally, we assessed age, gender, BMI, and the presence of orthopedic disorders before and after the 24-week intervention. Data analysis categorized participants into two groups: those who maintained or improved their GLFS-25 scores (IGLFS) and those whose scores declined (WGLFS). We employed the Mann-Whitney U test for comparisons between groups prior to the intervention and used the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for within-group comparisons pre- and post-intervention. A statistical significance level was set at p 0.05.
Pre-intervention analysis revealed that the WGLFS group had a significantly higher BMI compared to the IGLFS group (23.4 ± 4.5 vs. 24.9 ± 3.7 kg/m²). Following the 24 weeks of exercise therapy, 48 participants were classified as IGLFS, while 16 were in the WGLFS group. Importantly, only the IGLFS group exhibited a significant decrease in HbA1c levels (7.2 ± 1.0 vs. 6.9 ± 0.8%, p 0.001). Furthermore, the IGLFS group demonstrated significantly higher levels of physical activity related to walking (940.7 ± 886.9 vs. 1058.5 ± 863.2 MET-minutes/week, p = 0.03) and percentage knee extension force (KEF) (46.3 ± 12.3 vs. 49.6 ± 11.5 kgf, p = 0.001).
This research examined factors affecting GLFS-25 scores in older adults with glucose intolerance undergoing exercise therapy. The findings suggest that pre-intervention BMI significantly impacts GLFS-25 deterioration. A higher BMI may cause joint pain during exercise, leading to declines in physical function. Therefore, future exercise programs for this population should consider BMI in their design.
These findings indicate that exercise therapy for older adults with glucose intolerance should be tailored to BMI. Creating exercise methods that reduce the risk of joint pain can lead to more effective interventions, enhancing both glucose tolerance and physical function. Establishing such tailored protocols is essential for improving the health and well-being of older adults facing these challenges.
impaired glucose tolerance
GLFS-25
