Effect of the Frequency of Visits for Exercise Therapy on Improvement of Insulin Resistance in Overweight Patients with Lifestyle-related Diseases

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of visits for exercise therapy on insulin resistance. Subjects: The study subjects were 44 overweight outpatients with lifestyle-related diseases. Methods: They were classified into 2 groups according to the number of exercise visits within the first 6 months of therapy: the frequent group ( greater than or equal to 51 sessions) and the infrequent group ( less than or equal to 50 sessions). We then subgrouped the 2 groups according to their frequency of visit during the subsequent six months. Results: Significant improvements in insulin resistance, fasting immunoreactive insulin level, and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance were observed only in the frequent group at 6 months. Comparison of the groups' clinical profiles at 6 and 12 months showed that the subjects in all the subgroups maintained their improved body composition and insulin resistance, irrespective of the frequency of visits. Conclusion: Our results show that frequent exercise, at least twice a week, is required to reduce insulin resistance, and that improved clinical profiles can be maintained even when the exercise frequen y is reduced to around once a week.