Project title - a comparative study of the effects of zumba aerobic technique versus walking on blood glucose level and quality of life in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by peripheral insulin resistance and inadequate insulin secretion by pancreatic β-cells. When there is a build-up of glucose in the blood it may lead to acute and serious, long-term complications. Walking has been shown to reduce blood glucose levels and improve the Quality of life in subjects having Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Effects of Zumba have been studied and shown improvement in Quality of life in several neuro-musculoskeletal disorders. However as per our knowledge no study has been done till date to compare the effects of Zumba aerobic technique and Walking on blood glucose level and Quality of life in subjects having type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Objectives • To study and compare the effects of Zumba aerobic technique and Walkingon Fasting blood glucose levels and Quality of life in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. • To compare the effects of Zumba aerobic technique and Walking with age-matched controls on Fasting blood glucose levels and Quality of life in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: A convenience sample of 45 type 2 Diabetes Mellitus subjects participated in a prospective randomized control trial. Fasting blood glucose levels and Quality of life score was measured on day 1 and day 30 in group A which performed Zumba aerobic technique under supervision 3 times a week for 4 weeks. The scores were compared with group B which performed walking for 3 days a week for 4 weeks and group C which was the control group. Results: A statistically significant reduction in Fasting blood glucose levels as well as significant improvement in the Quality of life score was observed after 4 weeks of training in both groups A (FBS,QOL p - < 0.0001) and B (FBS,QOL p - < 0.0001) whereas in Group C is was statistically non-significant (FBS p - 0.2115,QOL p - 0.1689). Also, a statistically significant change was seen in both FBS and QOL score on comparison between groups A, B and C. (FBS p - < 0.0001, QOL p - 0.0419) Conclusion: Zumba aerobic technique and Walking are both effective in reducing the Fasting blood glucose levels and improving the Quality of life in subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus where Zumba shows better results as compared to Walking and age matched controls.