Effect of square aerobic exercise on cardiovascular risk factors and health-related quality of life in Chinese women with type 2 diabetes

The study aimed to determine whether square aerobic exercise (SAE), the most popular group-based activity in China, is effective in improving cardiovascular risk factors and quality of life in Chinese women with type 2 diabetes (T2D). In total, 60 women with T2D (50–65 years) were randomly and equally divided into an SAE group and a control group treated with usual care. The body weight, glucose metabolism, and lipid metabolism at both 3 and 6 months were compared between groups. The Short-Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) was completed at the start and end of the study. No participant in the two groups was shed. During the 6-month follow-up, the body mass index, glucose metabolic indexes (except 2-h postprandial insulin), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and scores of SF-36 domains (except pain and vitality) in the SAE group were significantly improved from baseline. The body weight, SF-36 scores, or glucose and lipid metabolism were not significantly improved in the control group. SAE is associated with improved cardiovascular risk factors and quality of life in Chinese T2D women. The participants also adhered well to exercise. Therefore, SAE can be recommended as a daily fitness program for T2D patients.