Personal Trainer Assisted Strength Training Programme for Pacific Adults with Diabetes – A feasibility study

INTERVENTION: The intervention will include three sessions per week for 30 minutes per session. Participants will be part of a group of two or three, working with one personal trainer in each session. All sessions will be supervised by the personal trainer to ensure correct technique and to monitor the appropriate amount of exercise and rest intervals. The resistance programme will be periodised to allow progressive increases in the resistance training programme based on the individual’s ability and adaptation to the resistance training intervention. The 30 minutes sessions will begin with 5 minutes warm up on a stationary bicycle or walking on a treadmill. This will be followed by 20 minutes of high intensity resistance training using body weight exercises, strength machines and free weight exercises. The 30 minute sessions will conclude with 5 minutes warm down on a stationary cycle. When an individual shows they can easily complete a strength exercise with appropriate technique, they will progress on to a more challenging weight or exercise. The specific resistance exercises chosen for each individual will be introduced dependant on the individual’s personal ability and experience. The workout will also be varied at each session by the personal trainer dependant on the individual’s energy levels, muscle soreness and performance at the specific session. The sessions will be offered at a variety of times across the full seven day week to ensure that there are times which are suitable for the participants. The personal trainer facilitated sessions will cease following 12 weeks, though membership at the gym will continue for a further 12 weeks, to allow the non‐coached attendance rates to be monitored. CONDITION: To determine the impact of an individually tailored gym based structured resistance exercise programme on insulin sensitivity for Pacific adults with diabetes To explore the impact of a personal trainer in increasing adherence rates for Pacific adults with diabetes participating in an individually tailored gym based structured resistance exercise programme PRIMARY OUTCOME: Adherence ‐ attendance rates for the intervention group will be recorded though direct report from the gyms/personal trainers as well as self‐report activity diaries and a membership card swipe system. Glycated Haemoglobin (HBA1c) levels assessed through plasma HBA1c assay SECONDARY OUTCOME: Safety measures at all sessions, pain will be assessed verbally and on a weekly basis, pain experienced (muscle, joint, other) will be assessed by a short‐form of the McGill Pain questionnaire (SF‐MPQ). In addition, fatigue experienced will be assessed with BORG rating of perceived exertion (RPE) INCLUSION CRITERIA: Individuals are potentially eligible if they meet all of the following criteria: (i) Pacific adults aged 18+; (ii) have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes Mellitus who are not receiving insulin injections; (iii) Can easily access the Mount Wellington region and; (iv) can provide written informed consent to participate in the study.