Anthropometric, Cardiopulmonary and Metabolic Benefits of the High-Intensity Interval Training Versus Moderate, Low-Intensity or Control for Type 2 Diabetes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of high-intensity interval training compared with no intervention and other types of training interventions for people with Type 2 Diabetes. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that used high-interval intensity training to improve anthropometric, cardiopulmonary and metabolic conditions were conducted. The search was performed during October–December 2017 using the databases PubMed, Web of Science and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using the PEDro scale. A total of 10 articles were included in this meta-analysis. After statistical analysis, favorable results were obtained for high-Intensity Interval Training compared with control (non-intervention): [Weight: Standardized mean difference (SMD) = −2.09; confidence interval (CI) 95%: (−3.41; −0.78); body-mass index: SMD = −3.73; CI 95%: (−5.53; −1.93); systolic blood pressure: SMD = −4.55; CI 95%: (−8.44; −0.65); VO2max: SMD = 12.20; CI 95%: (0.26; 24.14); HbA1c: SMD = −3.72; CI 95%: (−7.34; −0.10)], moderate intensity continuous training: [body-mass index: SMD = −0.41; CI 95%: (−0.80; −0.03); VO2max: SMD = 1.91; CI 95%: (0.18; 3.64)], and low intensity training: [Weight: SMD = −2.06; CI 95%: (−2.80; −1.31); body-mass index: SMD = −3.04; CI 95%: (−5.16; −0.92); systolic blood pressure: SMD = −2.17; CI 95%: (−3.93; −0.41); HbA1c: SMD = −1.58; CI 95%: (−1.84; −1.33)]. The results show that high-intensity interval training can be a useful strategy in order to improve anthropometric, cardiopulmonary and metabolic parameters in people with Type 2 diabetes. Despite this, it could be essential to clarify and unify criteria in the intervention protocols, being necessary new lines of research.