Physical activity and quality of life in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Chronic diseases such as diabetes have an adverse effect on the quality of life (QOL) of patients. It has been shown physical activity can improve the quality of life. Aims: The aim of current study was to determine the effectiveness of Physical activity package (PAP) on the quality of life (QOL) of individuals with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Using a randomized controlled trial, 100 individuals with type 2 diabetes were studied. The patients were selected from endocrine clinic of a teaching hospital of Iran University of Medical Sciences. Subjects were randomly assigned to intervention (PAP and routine care), and control (just education and routine care) groups. The WHO Quality of Life- brief (WHOQOL - BREF) Questionnaire was completed by all patients at the beginning and after three months. The IPAQ (long form) physical activity questionnaire was completed at the beginning, 1.5 and 3 months follow-up for all subjects. The Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square and repeated measure of analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were used to analysis of data. The significant level was considered as 0.05. Results: Average of age was 46.22 +/- 6.10 years. The scores of physical, psychological and environmental domains of WHOQOL - BREF were 27.42 +/- 3.34, 21.44 +/- 3.24 and 27.02 +/- 4.68 in intervention group versus 22.58 +/- 3.71, 17.29 +/- 3.46, and 24.41 +/- 3.92, in control group respectively. These differences were statistically significant (P < 0.0001). There was not any significant difference for social relations domain across two groups. Conclusions: Physical activity package had a significant effect on all aspects of QOL just social relations of individuals with type 2 diabetes. It seems social relations activities needs more time to change.