Effect of aerobic exercise and burst-modulated biphasic pulsed current on glycemic control, central obesity and body image in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background: The management of diabetes involves the use of pharmacological agents and non-pharmacological interventions with diet adjustment and active exercise at the core of non-pharmacological treatment. Passive exercise in the form of electrical muscle stimulation may also be of therapeutic value in modulating blood glucose via muscle strengthening and fat reduction. The objective of this research is to investigate the impact of treadmill running and burst-modulated biphasic pulsed current individually and in combination on glycaemic control, central obesity and body image in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). Methods: One hundred and sixty four individuals with T2D will be randomized into one of four groups: three intervention groups (treadmill running, burst-modulated biphasic pulsed current [BMBPC] stimulation, and combined treadmill running with BMBPC stimulation) as well as a control (non-exercise) group. Outcomes including glycaemic control, central obesity, and body image will be assessed at baseline as well as 6th and 12th week of intervention with a follow-up assessment three months after intervention. Data will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics after normality tests have been carried out. Alpha probability level will be significance at 0.05. Discussions: The study outcome will determine the individual and combined effect of BMBPC and treadmill running on glycaemic control, central obesity, and body image in persons with T2D. Trial Registration: The registration number for the trial is PACTR202101600277020.(c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.