INTRODUCTION

Obesity is a risk factor that causes diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other metabolic disorders. These health risks associated with obesity relate not only to total adiposity but also to the regional distribution of adipose tissue [1]. In addition, visceral fat has a higher lipolytic rate, which contribute to increase the concentration of free fatty acids in plasma and cause insulin resistance.

Aerobic exercise improves insulin tolerance due to improved insulin action in skeletal muscle and in adipose tissue [2]. It also reduces visceral fat and the risk of cardiovascular disease [3]. Mourier et al. [4] reported that moderate exercise reduced 48% of visceral fat without weight loss in obese diabetic subjects for 8 weeks intervention. Giannopoulou et al. [5] also reported that among diabetic obese subjects who performed moderate intensity aerobic exercise for 14 weeks, 14% showed a decrease in visceral fat without significant changes in body weight. However, recent studies suggest vigorous intensity exercise is more effective in decreasing visceral fat than moderate intensity exercise [6], and is also more effective in decreasing the prevalence of diabetes and incidence of cardiovascular disease [7]. Therefore, the appropriate exercise intensity for reducing abdominal fat is still controversial.

The thigh muscle is divided into normal and low density muscle. Low density muscle contains significant amount of adipose tissue as much as fat stored in abdominal visceral fat and it has been reported to be associate with insulin resistance in several studies [8,9]. In addition, obese type 2 diabetic subjects appear to have more low density muscle than thin individuals [10], which is related to their lower level of physical activity [11]. Schwartz et al. [12] found out there was increase in normal density muscle even though there was no change in low density muscle in healthy 60's males who performed aerobic exercise for 6 months. Boudou et al. [13] also reported that there was no change in the low density thigh muscle, but the normal thigh muscle increased significantly in obese diabetic females who performed aerobic exercise for 13 weeks. There are limited studies, however, that show changes in the composition of thigh muscle solely resulting from exercise. Additionally, there are no studies regarding changes in thigh muscle composition based on exercise intensity.

Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of moderate or vigorous intensity exercise in equal amount of exercise in each group on abdominal fat, thigh fat and muscle composition, and insulin sensitivity in overweight subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

Study subjects

We enrolled a total of 44 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus who visited the Eulji General Hospital Diabetes Center. Study subjects were females between 45 and 65 years old and were overweight or obese with body mass index (BMI) over 23 kg/m², had glycated hemoglobin levels under 10%, and were not using oral glucose insulin enhancers. Subjects with the following characteristics were excluded from this study: type 1 diabetes, congestive heart failure, non-controlled arrhythmia, severe valvular heart disease, malignant tumor, undergoing renal replacement therapy, difficulty with following up, refusing examination, and those who were taking medication.

Measurements and methods

Anthropometric and biochemical parameters

The height, weight, and waist circumference of each subject was measured before and after 12-week study period. Height and weight measurements were taken while participants wore thin gowns, and BMI was calculated by dividing weight (kg) by height squared (m²). Waist circumference was measured using a tape measure at the narrowest point between the bottom of the ribs and the top of the iliac crest after the subjects exhaled and were in a relaxed state. Blood pressure was measured after the subjects were seated and at rest for 10 minutes, using a mercury sphygmomanometer (Yamasu, Tokyo, Japan).

Biochemical tests were performed after 10 hours of fasting. Venous blood was collected and centrifuged at 3,000 rpm for 15 minutes, where plasma was separated. The sample was then stored at -70℃ to later be used for analysis. Fasting glucose was measured using glucose oxidation, and glycated hemoglobin was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Using an enzyme reaction measurement kit, cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol were analyzed using a biochemical automatic analyzer (Hitachi 7170; Hitachi, Tokyo, Japan).

Insulin resistance was measured using an insulin tolerance test (K_ITT) [14]. For K_ITT measurements, subjects fasted for over 10 hours prior to visiting the hospital, and then a 20-G catheter was inserted into the patients' antecubital vein on one side of the body and was used to collect blood samples. On the opposite side, 20-G catheter was inserted into a forearm vein, and after insulin shots were administered and the examination was finished, intravenous glucose was used. In a stable condition, 0.1 U of diluted insulin (Humulin R; Eli Lilly, Indianapolis, IN, USA) was calculated per kg of body weight and injected into a forearm vein. On the opposite side, blood was sampled from the antecubital vein, at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 minutes. To prevent hypoglycemia, after 15 minutes of sampling the subjects were infused with 100 mL 20% glucose and blood samples were immediately centrifuged and glucose concentrations were measured. During the insulin resistance test, glucose concentration measurements taken over time were converted into natural logs to be entered into the computer program. Using the 3 to 15 minute values, the slope of the regression line was calculated, from which the point where basal blood glucose dropped by half (t1/2) was found. Then, the rate constant for plasma glucose disappearance, K_ITT, was calculated using the following formula:

K_ITT=0.693/t1/2×100 (%/min)

Exercise intervention

The control group (CG) did not participate in the exercise program and education regarding walking exercises, according to American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines [15], was given during the initial meeting. In order to expend a total of 500 kcal per day, moderate intensity exercise group (MEG) was performed at 3.5 to 5.2 METs (Lifecorder activity level 4 to 5) [16], 5 times per week, for 60 minutes per session, and vigorous intensity exercise group (VEG) were performed at over 5.3 METs (Lifecorder activity levels >7), 5 times per week, for 30 minutes per session.

Survey of physical activity and energy intake

An accelerometer (Lifecorder; Suzuken Co., Nagoya, Japan) was used to monitor individual physical activity. Before the start of intervention program, age, sex, height, and body weight were taken, and after inputting activity durations, and excluding sleep and bath times when the accelerometer could not be worn, levels of normal baseline physical activity were assessed for 2 weeks. After starting the intervention program, data were re-input every 2 weeks based on changes in body weight.

Total energy expenditure, physical activity energy expenditure, energy expenditure of each activity intensity levels were analyzed as follows:

1) Basal metabolic rate (BMR)

The BMR was calculated from sex, age, height, and weight using a standard Japanese formula and the suitable body surface area basal metabolism criteria (Kb). Kb was then automatically calculated:

BMR (kcal)=Kb×(Body weight ^0.444 (kg)×height ^0.663 (cm)×88.83)×Time×(1/10,000)

2) Exercise level (EEact)

The amplitude and frequency of activity from the accelerometer signaled the weight and exercise coefficient (Ka) every 4 seconds to estimate activity intensity. There were 11 levels of exercise intensity, zero was absence of activity, 0.5 was microactivity, 1 to 3 was low intensity activity, 4 to 6 was moderate intensity activity, and 7 to 9 was vigorous intensity activity.

EEact (kcal)=Ka×Body weight (kg)

3) Total energy expenditure (TEE)

TEE is the sum of calories based on calculated BMR and thermic effect of food, and measured energy expenditure of EEact and micro activity (EEminoract). This value was stored automatically.

TEE=BMR+1/10TEE+EEact+EEminoract

4) Physical activity energy expenditure

Physical activity energy expenditure was estimated by sum of activity intensity levels over 4 from active calories consumed through exercise and it was automatically saved.

Energy intake surveys were filled out for 3 days in the form of subject daily food intake records (2 weekdays and 1 weekend day). Energy intake information was reviewed once every 2 weeks during hospital visits. For subject daily food intake records, simple pre-education on how to keep intake records must be given. Questionnaires regarding daily dietary intake documented each meal, food quantity, and ingredients, and all subjects were asked to write their own records. Subjects were also asked to include both health supplements and snacks. To improve the accuracy of the records, dieticians used life-size food models (Korea Mirage Replica Inc., Incheon, Korea), measuring cups, measuring spoons, pictures of food, and visual estimates (The Korean Dietetic Association, 1999) to investigate recorded information when the dietary questionnaires were collected. Recorded dietary consumption data were analyzed using a computer-aided nutritional analysis program (CAN-Pro version 2.0; Korean Nutrition Society, Seoul, Korea) to convert foods consumed into nutrients.

Computed tomography (CT)

CT of abdominal fat (GE, Milwaukee, WI, USA) was performed based on methods used in previous studies, in the area between lumbar vertebra 4 to 5 and the belly button, and ranging 10 mm above and below that circumference. Fat density was measured in Housefield units (HU) in the -150 to -50 range and was reconstructed. In other words, a computer was used to calculate the total area of abdominal fat present in the peritoneal cavity, the area inside the boundary of the abdomen and peritoneum of the stomach region was measured, and the area of the visceral fat was calculated. The area of subcutaneous fat was calculated by subtracting visceral fat area from total abdominal fat [17].

To measure skeletal muscle, the medial portion between the upper margin of the patella and greater trochanter that falls within 0 to +100 Hounsfield units was classified as thigh total muscle. Muscle area was further characterized that 0 to +30 Hounsfield units were classified as low density muscle, and +31 to +100 were classified as normal density muscle [18].

Statistical analysis

Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS for Windows version 15.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). The means and standard deviations were calculated for each item. The effect size of the number of subjects was assumed to be 0.6, and the superiority of high intensity exercise in the moderate intensity exercise group was alpha=0.05 and beta=0.3; therefore, 9 subjects were selected per group for unilateral validation. To verify differences between groups, ANCOVA tests were performed, and before and after comparisons within group were performed using a paired t-test. In the interpretation of the results, P values under 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant.

RESULTS

Clinical characteristics of the study subjects

During the study period, among the 44 subjects who participated in this study, the 4 subjects who did not follow at a vigorous exercise intensity (5.3 METs), the 2 subjects who did not follow at a moderate exercise intensity (3.6 to 5.2 METs), and the 10 subjects who reduced their energy intake to 3 kcal/kg/day or more were excluded from the analysis. Thus, only the remaining 28 subjects were included in our analysis (CG, 12 subjects; MEG, 8 subjects; VEG, 8 subjects). The mean age of the subjects was 53.8±7.9, mean duration of diabetes mellitus was 3.8±2.3, and mean BMI was 26.6±2.6 kg/m². There was no difference in age, duration of diabetes mellitus, and BMI among the three groups; however, in the post-hoc test, the mean age of the VEG was significantly lower than the MEG and the control group (P=0.044, P=0.032, respectively). There were no significant differences in glycated hemoglobin levels, cholesterol levels, and insulin sensitivity indicator (K_ITT) among the groups (Table 1).

Changes in dietary and exercise calorie and BMI

The TEE of the CG study was significantly lower than the other groups (P=0.011), but physical activity energy expenditure and energy intake did not differ among the three groups before the intervention program. For 12 weeks, TEE and physical activity energy expenditure was significantly higher in both MEG and VEG than CG (P<0.001). Mean physical activity energy expenditure of the MEG was 7.5±1.4 kcal/kg/day, and mean physical activity energy expenditure of the VEG was 7.8±0.7 kcal/kg/day, which shows that there is no significant difference in the amount of physical activity energy expenditure during the intervention period for the two groups.

For 12 weeks, there was no significant difference in mean energy intake among the three groups (Table 2). All groups decreased their BMI after 12-week period (P=0.010, P=0.012, P=0.015, respectively), but there was no significant difference in the changes among the three groups. Only the waist circumference of the VEG decreased significantly compared to the baseline (P=0.026), but there was no significant difference between the changes among the three groups (Table 3).

Changes in fat mass in the abdomen and mid-thigh

There was significant difference in the percent change of total abdominal fat and visceral fat among the three groups after 12-week period (P=0.038, P=0.049, respectively), but there was no significant difference in subcutaneous fat between the three groups. In the post-hoc test, percent change of total abdominal fat and visceral fat decreased significantly in the MEG compared to the CG (P=0.026, P=0.008, respectively), and percent change of subcutaneous fat in the VEG decreased significantly compared to the CG (P=0.038) (Fig. 1). In addition, there were no significant differences in percent change of visceral fat and subcutaneous fat ratios among the three groups, but in the post-hoc test, the MEG showed a significantly greater decrease compared to the VEG after 12 weeks (P=0.044).

There were no significant percent change of the thigh subcutaneous fat, thigh subfascial fat, and thigh intramuscular adipose tissue among the three groups (Table 3).

Changes in mid-thigh muscle mass

There was a significant difference in percent change of normal density muscle after 12 weeks (P=0.044), but there was no significant difference in percent change of total skeletal muscle and low density muscle among the three groups. In the post-hoc test, both total skeletal muscle and normal density muscle increased significantly in the VEG compared to the CG (P=0.044, P=0.007, respectively) (Table 3, Fig. 1).

Changes in insulin sensitivity

There was significant difference in percent change of insulin sensitivity measured by K_ITT among the three groups after 12 weeks (P=0.046). The percent change of K_ITT improved significantly in the VEG compared to the control group (P=0.016) (Table 3, Fig. 2).

DISCUSSION

Abdominal fat has been identified as an independent risk factor for development of cardiovascular disease [19]. Regular moderate intensity aerobic exercise is effective in reducing visceral fat without weight loss. Ross et al. [20] observed a 17% decrease in visceral fat without weight loss and there was no significant decrease in subcutaneous fat in obese males who performed moderate intensity exercise (60% of VO₂max) for 12 weeks. Lee et al. [21] also reported that there was a 22% decrease in visceral fat without weight loss, but there was a 2.5% decrease in subcutaneous fat in obese diabetic males who performed moderate intensity exercise (60% of VO₂max) for 13 weeks. In this study, significant reduced total abdominal fat (9.0%) and visceral fat (14.7%) levels without weight loss were observed in the moderate intensity exercise group when compared to the control group. These results are consistent with previous studies, however, our study showed a smaller decrease in visceral fat when compared to other studies. This may be due to different amount of energy expenditure through exercise that Ross et al. (700 kcal) and Lee et al. (673 kcal) used in their studies, which was higher than what we reported in our study. In addition, exercise intensity was readjusted according to the result of two subsequent graded exercise tests at weeks 4 and 8 because as VO₂max rises in previous studies.

In the previous studies, effects of exercise intensity on abdominal fat reduction have varied greatly. Nicklas et al. [22] reported visceral fat decreased to a similar degree in both moderate intensity (HR, 45% to 50%) and vigorous intensity (HR, 70% to 75%) combined with dietary intervention (400 kcal/day) (27.2%, 25.2%, respectively) in middle aged obese females for 20 weeks. Additionally, Slentz et al. [23] also reported that the change in abdominal fat was similar in both moderate intensity exercise group (44% to 55% VO₂max) and vigorous intensity exercise group (65% to 80% VO₂max) in middle aged obese females expended the same amount of physical activity kcal (14 kcal/kg/wk). In that study, they also found that high amount and vigorous intensity exercise group (23 kcal/kg/wk) showed a significant decrease in visceral and subcutaneous fat (6.9%, 7.0%), and they suggested that amount of exercise, but not intensity, was the most effective in reducing abdominal fat. However, in a study by Slentz et al., active calories expended were 14 kcal/kg/wk, which was much lower than the active calorie expenditure rate in our study. Visceral fat loss by the high amount and vigorous intensity group in Slentz's study, which resembled the vigorous intensity exercise group from our study, was 6.9%, and subcutaneous fat reduction was 7.9%, which was also similar to the results from our study.

On the other hand, Coker et al. [24] showed that vigorous intensity exercise (75% VO₂max) was more effective in reducing subcutaneous and visceral fat than moderate intensity exercise (50% VO₂max). Irving et al. [6] also showed that both subcutaneous and visceral fat loss were much greater in the vigorous exercise intensity group (RPE 15 to 17) in middle aged obese female. The stimulating effect of exercise on visceral fat degradation was explained as a result of decreasing insulin concentration and adrenaline secretion due to exercise. Arner [25] reported that hormone-sensitive lipase activity due to catecholamine stimulation is higher in visceral adipocytes than subcutaneous adipocytes, plasma catecholamine concentration rises during vigorous intensity exercise, and stimulates lipolysis in visceral fat. Additionally, vigorous intensity exercise increases post-exercise oxygen consumption, which brings about more energy imbalance, and increase lipolysis [26]. In our study, the vigorous intensity exercise group showed a significant decrease in subcutaneous fat (7.2%) compared to the control group without weight loss, but unlike in previous studies, visceral fat did not decrease to a significant degree compared to the control group. Post-exercise abdominal fat reduction is related to the initial amount of fat [12]. In our study, , the vigorous intensity exercise group had significantly less abdominal fat at baseline compared to the other groups, which may result in relatively low visceral fat reduction after 12 weeks. Additionally, the significant difference in the amount of abdominal fat reduction may be explained by the wide range of exercise intensities and amount of exercise employed in each study. Therefore, in the future, studies on exercise intervention with more specified intensity settings after controlling amount of active calories expended during exercise must be conducted.

Lee et al. [21] showed a significant increase in thigh normal density muscle with no significant changes in body weight and thigh low density muscle in obese diabetic subjects who performed moderate intensity exercise (60% VO₂max) for 13 weeks. However, Boudou et al. [13] reported significant increase in thigh muscle mass without weight loss in male type 2 diabetes subjects who performed vigorous intensity exercise (75% VO₂max) for 12 weeks. In our study, the percent change of total mid-thigh skeletal muscle and normal density muscle was significantly higher in the vigorous intensity exercise group compared to the control group, but low density muscle was not significantly different among the groups after 12 weeks. Muscle was classified as slow oxidative twitch fibers and fast glycolytic twitch fibers. When exercise intensity was between 40% and 60% of VO₂max, the slow oxidative twitch fibers were used the most, and when exercise intensity was between 75% and 90% of VO₂max the fast glycolytic twitch fibers were used the most. Fast glycolytic twitch fibers are associated with muscle hypertrophy, and a greater increase in muscle mass can be observed as a result of vigorous intensity exercise group compared to moderate intensity exercise group in our study. Lee et al. [21] reported a significant increase in normal density muscle as a result of moderate intensity exercise, which is not consistent with the results from our study. However, this may be due to sex difference in each study. Therefore, further sex-based studies are required to confirm the interaction between sex and exercise intensity in its association with thigh composition.

Exercise improves insulin sensitivity trough AMP-kinase pathway activation [27]. It has been reported that vigorous intensity exercise is necessary in order to improve insulin sensitivity, however, when moderate exercise is performed more time is required [28,29]. Seals et al. [30], suggested that vigorous intensity aerobic exercise improves insulin sensitivity more than low intensity exercise after 12 weeks, and Boudou et al. [13], also reported that K_ITT increased by 58% after vigorous intensity exercise (over 75% VO₂max) after 8 weeks. In our study, percent changes of K_ITT, which reflects insulin sensitivity, showed that vigorous intensity exercise group significantly improved insulin sensitivity compared to the control group, which is consistent with previous studies.

In our study, although the vigorous intensity exercise group showed a lower decrease in visceral fat than the moderate intensity exercise group, an increase in thigh normal density muscle and improved insulin sensitivity were observed. Although visceral fat increases insulin resistance [4,31], a decrease in total muscle mass is also associated with insulin resistance [32,33]. In addition, since skeletal muscle is most responsible for the use of insulin stimulated glucose, insulin resistance is associated with skeletal muscle in type 2 diabetes subjects. Kim et al. [34] showed the correlation between thigh normal density muscle and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and suggested normal density muscle is an independently associated with insulin resistance. Goodpaster et al. [11] reported insulin sensitivity was negatively correlated with fat mass, visceral fat and subcutaneous fat and thigh fat and positively correlated with thigh normal density muscle and VO₂max in health adult male and female. Thus, in our study, the increase in thigh muscle is thought to improve insulin resistance in vigorous intensity exercise group.

In conclusion, the moderate intensity exercise group showed a significantly higher reduction in visceral fat than the control group, and vigorous intensity exercise group showed a significant increase in thigh normal density muscle and insulin sensitivity even though reducing visceral fat was lower than the moderate exercise group.

NOTES

No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

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Fig. 1

Change in abdominal fat (A), mid-thigh fat (B), and mid-thigh muscle (C) after 3-month intervention among 3 groups. TFA, total fat area; VFA, visceral fat area; SFA, subcutaneous fat area; TSFA, mid-thigh subcutaneous fat area; TFFA, mid-thigh subfascial fat area; TIMAT, mid-thigh intramuscular adipose tissue; TTM, mid-thigh total muscle; TLDM, mid-thigh low density muscle; TNDM, mid-thigh normal density muscle; CG, control group; MEG, moderate intensity exercise group; VEG, vigorous intensity exercise group. ^aP value <0.05 compared to control group.

Fig. 2

Change in insulin sensitivity after 3-month intervention among 3 groups. CG, control group; MEG, moderate intensity exercise group; VEG, vigorous intensity exercise group. ^aP value <0.05 compared to control group.

Table 1

Characteristics of the subjects at baseline

Values are presented as mean±standard deviation. P value <0.05 statistical significance from ANOVA.

CG, control group; MEG, moderate intensity exercise group; VEG, vigorous intensity exercise group; BW, body weight; BMI, body mass index; Waist, waist circumference; FPG, fasting plasma glucose; SBP, systolic blood pressure; DBP, diastolic blood pressure; TC, total cholesterol; TG, triglyceride; HDL-C, high density lipoprotein cholesterol; LDL-C, low density lipoprotein cholesterol; K_ITT, insulin sensitivity; TEE, total energy expenditure; PAEE, physical activity energy expenditure; EI, energy intake; TFA, total fat area; VFA, visceral fat area; SFA, subcutaneous fat area; VS ratio, visceral fat to subcutaneous fat ratio; TSFA, mid-thigh subcutaneous fat area; TFFA, mid-thigh subfascial fat area; TIMAT, mid-thigh intramuscular adipose tissue; TTM, mid-thigh total muscle; TLDM, mid-thigh low density muscle; TNDM, mid-thigh normal density muscle. ^aP value <0.05 compared to control group, ^bP value <0.05 compared to moderate intensity exercise group, significance from LSD post-hoc analysis.

Table 2

Total and physical activity energy expenditure and dietary energy intake in the three groups at baseline and during the 12-week intervention (kcal/kg/day)

Values are presented as mean±standard deviation. P value <0.05 statistical significance from ANCOVA adjusting for age.

CG, control group; MEG, moderate intensity exercise group; VEG, vigorous intensity exercise group; TEE, total energy expenditure; PAEE, physical activity energy expenditure; EI, energy intake.

^aP value <0.05 compared to control group significance from LSD post-hoc analysis, ^bP value <0.05 significance from paired t-test within group.

Table 3

Changes in body fat and muscle and insulin sensitivity in the three groups after the 12-week intervention

Values are presented as mean±standard deviation. P value <0.05 statistical significance from ANCOVA adjusting for age.

CG, control group; MEG, moderate intensity exercise group; VEG, vigorous intensity exercise group; BW, body weigh; BMI, body mass index; Waist, waist circumference; TFA, total fat area; VFA, visceral fat area; SFA, subcutaneous fat area; VS ratio, visceral fat to subcutaneous fat ratio; TSFA, mid-thigh subcutaneous fat area; TFFA, mid-thigh subfascial fat area; TIMAT, mid-thigh intramuscular adipose tissue; TTM, mid-thigh total muscle; TLDM, mid-thigh low density muscle; TNDM, mid-thigh normal density muscle; K_ITT, insulin sensitivity.

^aP value <0.05 compared to control group, ^bP value <0.05 compared to moderate intensity exercise group group, significance from LSD post-hoc analysis, ^cP value <0.05 significance from paired I-test within group.

Figure & Data

References

Citations

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About this article

Jung JY, Han KA, Ahn HJ, Kwon HR, Lee JH, Park KS, Min KW. Effects of Aerobic Exercise Intensity on Abdominal and Thigh Adipose Tissue and Skeletal Muscle Attenuation in Overweight Women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetes Metab J. 2012;36(3):211-221.

Received: Jun 17, 2011; Accepted: Mar 13, 2012

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/dmj.2012.36.3.211.

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