The Impact of Aerobic vs. Resistance Exercises on Serum miR-204, miR-181, Metabolic Biomarkers and Physical Fitness in Diabetic Children: A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

Background: The incidence of metabolic disorders, particularly type 1 diabetes (T1DM), has risen in recent years, yet there is a scarcity of information regarding effective exercise interventions for managing this condition. Currently, microRNAs (miRNAs) are being recognized as valuable clinical instruments for the identification and prevention of non-communicable diseases. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of eight weeks of aerobic exercise (AE) and resistance exercise (RE) on various metabolic biomarkers and physical fitness in children diagnosed with T1DM. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental clinical trial study conducted in a crossover design. A total of 12 diabetic children, who received treatment under the guidance of a specialist for a minimum of 2 years, were initially randomly divided into two groups, with each group comprising six participants. At the end of the interventions, one individual from the aerobic training group and two individuals from the resistance training group were removed due to excessive absenteeism from training, and the interventions proceeded: The AE (n = 9, age = 12.20 ± 1 years), RE (n = 9, age = 12.20 ± 1 years). Participants engaged in selected exercises three times a week for 8 weeks. Forty-eight hours before and after completing the 8-week training, blood samples were taken from the subjects and physiological measurements were conducted. Real-time PCR and immunoassays were employed to measure the expression of selected miRNAs, as well as diabetic management indicators. To analyze the data, the statistical method of analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used at a significance level of > 0.05. Results: Our findings indicated a significant enhancement in physical fitness parameters across both exercise groups. Additionally, levels of fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides (TG) exhibited a notable decrease in both groups when compared to baseline measurements. Glycosylated hemoglobin and HOMA-IR levels were significantly reduced in the two groups. However, the changes in levels of miR-204 and miR-181 were small and insignificant. Conclusions: Both training methods were equally effective, along with drug interventions, in helping control diabetes, enhancing cardiovascular fitness, optimizing lipid profiles, and improving blood glucose metabolism, which may subsequently decrease the severity and likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adulthood.