Feasibility and pilot study of an intervention to support active lifestyles in youth with type 1 diabetes: The ActivPals study

Background Evidence suggests youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have lower levels of physical activity (PA) than the general population. The ActivPals intervention aimed to support youth with T1D to lead an active lifestyle. Methods Twenty youth aged 7 to 16 years with T1D were recruited to a pilot randomized controlled trial. PA and quality of life (QoL) were measured using Actigraph GT3X+ monitor and Pediatric QoL scales at baseline and 1‐month follow‐up. A two‐way, mixed ANOVA showed indicative effects of the intervention. Qualitative interviews were carried out with 16 participants to explore perceptions of the intervention. Results An increase in moderate to vigorous PA was reported in intervention and control groups from baseline to follow‐up (F(1, 14) = 5.83; P = .03), with no significance between group differences. Participants in both groups reported significantly less overall diabetes “problems” (F(1, 16) = 7.93; P = .012) and significantly less lifestyle “problems” (F(1, 16) = 7.39; P = .015) at follow‐up. However, both groups also reported significant increases in “problems” with the day‐to‐day diabetes routine (F(1,16) = 6.48; P = .022) at follow‐up. Parents reported significant increased worry about their child's diabetes at follow‐up, in both groups (F(1, 14) = 5.83; P = .046). There was no significant increase in reported hypoglycemic occurrences despite increased PA. The qualitative data highlight that goal setting, self‐monitoring, and social support were effective motivators for increasing PA. Conclusions A larger trial with longer follow‐up should be conducted to explore the effect of the intervention on PA in youth with T1D.