EFFECTIVENESS OF FARTLEK TRAINING ON CARDIOVASCULAR FITNESS IN TYPE 2 DIABETES - A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing public health concern worldwide, with reduced physical activity and obesity being major contributors. Regular exercise is well recognised for improving glycaemic control and cardiovascular health. However, evidence regarding the role of Fartlek training—a flexible, variable-intensity aerobic exercise—remains limited in diabetic populations.
Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of Fartlek training on cardiovascular fitness in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Methods: A randomised controlled trial was conducted on 120 participants with T2DM, aged 44–60 years. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (Fartlek training) and Group B (conventional walking program). Both groups underwent 20 supervised sessions over five weeks. Cardiovascular fitness was assessed pre- and post-intervention using VO₂max values derived from the 6-minute walk test. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v27, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in VO₂max after the intervention. However, participants in the Fartlek training group demonstrated greater gains, with intergroup comparison showing a statistically significant difference (p = 0.041) and a moderate effect size (r = -0.289).
Conclusion: Fartlek training proved more effective than conventional walking in improving cardiovascular fitness among individuals with type 2 diabetes. Its adaptable structure and superior outcomes suggest it can serve as a practical and scalable exercise strategy for managing diabetes and reducing cardiovascular risks.