Three 15-min bouts of moderate postmeal walking significantly improves 24-h glycemic control in older people at risk for impaired glucose tolerance
Crossover whole-room calorimeter trial in inactive older adults (n=10, impaired fasting glucose) showing three short postmeal walks improve 24-hour glycemic profiles versus control and outperform a single 45-minute sustained walk for post-dinner glucose control.
Design
Participants completed three 48-hour metabolic-chamber conditions in random order; day-2 activity differed between no structured exercise, one 45 min treadmill walk (mid-morning or mid-afternoon), or three 15 min walks begun immediately after each meal (same estimated intensity).
Outcome theme
Postmeal timing and distribution of walking can matter as much as total minutes—supporting practical “walk after you eat” advice for blunting large evening glucose excursions.
Limits
Small sample, short conditions, older at-risk adults; not a long-term HbA1c trial.
Outcomes
- Postprandial Blood GlucoseThree 15-min postmeal walks lowered 3-h post-dinner glucose more than a single 45-min morning or afternoon walk (P<0.01); both exercise patterns beat no-exercise control for 24-h glycemia (Diabetes Care 2013 crossover)