# The Chronic Effect of Stair Climbing–Descending Exercises after Meals on Glycemic Control in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

## TL;DR

This study found that stair climbing exercises after meals can improve blood sugar control and leg strength in people with type 2 diabetes.

## Contribution

It shows that regular stair climbing after meals significantly improves glycemic control and muscle strength in type 2 diabetes patients.

## Key findings

- Glycoalbumin levels decreased significantly more in the stair climbing group compared to the control group.
- Knee extension force increased in the stair climbing group, while it decreased in the control group.
- Skeletal muscle mass remained unchanged in both groups.

## Abstract

This study aimed to examine the chronic effect of a stair climbing–descending exercise (ST-EX) program on glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Sixteen T2D participants were randomly divided into two groups and followed up over 12 weeks: they either performed regular ST-EX after meals at home (n = 8) or maintained their daily routine (CON; no training) (n = 8). The participants in the ST-EX group were instructed to perform a minimum of 12 sessions/week of ST-EX for more than three days/week. One session of ST-EX consisted of two repetitions of 3 min bouts of climbing to the second floor, followed by walking down to the first floor. Fourteen participants completed the study (seven for each group). The decrease in glycoalbumin levels was significantly greater in the ST-EX group (mean value: −1.0%) than in the CON group (+0.4%). Moreover, the knee extension force increased greatly in the ST-EX group (+0.2 Nm/kg) compared with that in the CON group (−0.1 Nm/kg), with no significant change in the skeletal muscle mass. Performing regular ST-EX after meals may be an effective strategy to improve glycemic control and lower-extremity muscle strength in individuals with T2D.