LE3 .A278 2013

2013

Fowles, Jonathon

Acadia University

Bachelor of Kinesiology

Honours

Kinesiology

Kinesiology

A sedentary lifestyle is thought to be one of the leading causes of type 2 diabetes and physical activity and exercise have shown to provide physiological benefits in the treatment and complications of the disease. Unfortunately, participation rates in physical activity and exercise remain low among people with diabetes. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which providing Diabetes Centers (DC’s) with supplemental physical activity and exercise resources affects levels of physical activity and exercise of patients with diabetes. Questionnaires reporting physical activity and exercise levels, confidence, and clinical values were completed at baseline (N=180) and 6 months (N=118) by patients at eight DC’s across Nova Scotia. DC’s were provided with physical activity resources such as informational brochures, counseling from a Kinesiologist, and exercise classes. Paired and mixed method statistical analysis identified differences in variables between baseline and 6 months, and between those who did and those who did not make use of the supplemental resources at 6 months. Results showed increases in reported aerobic exercise and resistance at 6 months. Those who attended exercise classes reported greater overall health compared to those who did not. Those who received resistance exercise instruction from a Kinesiologist reported significantly greater task, self-regulatory, and overall efficacy at 6 months, as well as significantly lower glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c.) It is concluded that providing DC’s with supplemental resources increased exercise involvement and clinical outcomes. Future implications include providing DC’s standard access to these resources on a wider scale.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:1031