Pilot Stair Climbing Study

Objective: Compare the short-term effects of two different fractionalized stair climbing bout protocols on glucose control among adults at risk for type 2 diabetes.

Rationale: Fractionalized physical activity is associated with reduced BMI, glycated hemoglobin, lower 2-hr plasma glucose and insulin sensitivity in cross-sectional studies. Yet, few studies have examined the effects of fractionalized or intermittent physical activity in a prospective manner. Furthermore, the research is limited to patients with diagnosed type 2 diabetes, or using exercise of a moderate intensity.

The hypothesis is that stair climbing, a vigorous-intensity activity, may have a greater health effect. However, this has not been tested in short bouts of activity that are spread out during a day.

Implications: Fractionalized physical activity may be more feasible for adults at risk for, or with diagnosed type 2 diabetes who are not currently active. These short bouts can increase energy expenditure throughout the day, rather than in one long continuous bout as currently recommended.

Inclusion criteria

• Age greater than 40 years but less than 65 years (working age adult with reduce physiologic capacity to regulate glucose)
• BMI of overweight or obese (25.0 to 35.0)
• Answered "No" to all questions on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire, or has physician approval to participate
• Hemoglobin A1C% value in the at-risk range of 5.7 to 6.4

Exclusion criteria

• Unable to physically perform stair climbing
• Currently exercising for 60 or more minutes weekly.
• Weight over 275 lbs (because stair climbing machine has a weight limit)