Effects Of Accumulated Versus Continuous Individualized Exercise On Postprandial Glycemia In Young Adults With Obesity

Elevated postprandial glucose (PPG) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Post-meal exercise effectively reduces PPG concentrations. However, the effect of accumulated versus continuous post-meal exercise on PPG control remains unclear. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the effects of individualized accumulated or continuous exercise on PPG in young adults with obesity. METHODS: Twenty young adults with obesity (11 males) completed three 4-h randomized crossover trials with 6-14-day washout periods: 1) sitting (SIT), 2) one 30-min walking bout (CONT), and 3) three 10-min walking bouts separated by 20-min resting (ACCU). Walking was initiated 20 min before individual PPG peak after breakfast, which was predetermined by continuous glucose monitoring. Blood samples were collected at 15-30 min intervals, and the 24-h glucose was monitored via continuous glucose monitoring. RESULTS: The 4-h PPG incremental area under the curve (iAUC) was 12.1% ± 30.9% and 21.5% ± 21.5% smaller after CONT (P = 0.022) and ACCU (P ˂0.001), respectively, than after SIT. PPG concentrations were lower during CONT at 30-60 min and during ACCU at 30-105 min after breakfast than during SIT (all P ˂0.05). The 4-h plasma insulin and C-peptide iAUC, and mean amplitude of glycemic excursions were lower after CONT and ACCU than after SIT (all P ˂0.05). CONCLUSION: Both continuous and accumulated exercises reduced PPG, insulin, and C-peptide concentrations and improved glucose fluctuations. Accumulated exercise maintained lower PPG concentrations for a longer time than continuous exercise in young adults with obesity.