Effects of Timing, Intensity, and Duration of Aerobic Exercise on Body Composition in Prediabetic Adults

Abstract

This study aimed to examine body measurements, body composition, and total and gender-based differences in prediabetic adults post a multipurpose exercise intervention program. The study included 25 prediabetic participants. In a crossover experimental study, research was carried out at the Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar. Eligible participants had HbA1c levels between 5.7% and 6.4% and fasting blood glucose levels between 100 and 125 mg/dL. The participants underwent 12 weeks of aerobic exercise. Measurements were taken, including body weight, height, waist and hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, BMI, fat mass, and body fat percentage, using body plethysmography at baseline and after the study intervention. Significant reductions were observed in weight, BMI, waist circumference, and hip circumference. Fat mass decreased significantly, while fat percentage and lean mass showed no statistically significant changes. Gender comparisons revealed that males had significantly higher lean mass, lean mass index, and BMR, while females exhibited higher fat mass and fat percentage both at baseline and post-intervention. Correlation analysis demonstrated strong pre–post correlations for weight, waist, hip, BMI, fat mass, lean mass, and BMR (r > 0.90, p < 0.01), indicating consistent directional patterns across body composition parameters. The 12-week aerobic exercise intervention produced significant improvements in weight, BMI, waist and hip measurements, and fat mass in prediabetic adults. Although lean mass and metabolic rate remained stable, the reductions in central adiposity highlight the relevance of structured exercise as a preventive strategy for delaying diabetes progression. Gender-based differences persisted, underscoring the need for individualized exercise prescriptions in prediabetic populations.