This study will examine whether light physical activity after meals can improve 24-hour glucose responses in adults with metabolic syndrome and prediabetes.
Participants will complete three experimental conditions in a randomized crossover order: prolonged sitting, 15 minutes of postprandial walking, and brief resistance exercise snacks consisting of squats and calf raises performed every 20 minutes during the postprandial period. Continuous glucose monitoring will be used to assess 24-hour glucose responses, and heart rate variability will be measured during the 2-hour postprandial period to evaluate acute autonomic responses.
The main outcome is 24-hour mean glucose derived from continuous glucose monitoring.
Adults aged 40 to 65 years
Presence of metabolic syndrome
Fasting glucose of 100 mg/dL or higher or HbA1c of 5.7% or higher
Not regularly engaged in structured exercise training, defined as less than 150 minutes per week during the past year
History of major cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, respiratory, renal, hepatic, neurological, or other severe medical conditions that may affect study participation.
Uncontrolled hypertension, defined as systolic blood pressure ≥160 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥100 mmHg.
Current use of medications associated with a high risk of hypoglycemia, such as insulin or sulfonylureas.
Initiation or dose change of insulin or oral glucose-lowering medications within the past 3 months.