Deploying Exercise as Medicine and Health Coaching for Individuals at Risk of Diabetes in Singapore

Short Oral

Abstract Overview

Background: In Singapore, over 400,000 Singaporeans live with diabetes with a higher than global average of both prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes. This is of great concern, given that 1 in 4 Singapore residents will have prediabetes, and if preventive measures are not taken, 35% of them will eventually develop diabetes. Progression from prediabetes to diabetes is preventable through appropriate lifestyle management, highlighting a need for effective lifestyle interventions and support. Although many physical activity interventions have shown to be effective in clinical trials, their practical efficacy and sustainability over time is largely dependent on the individual’s motivation amongst other factors. A key challenge of engaging individuals at risk is that they are likely to feel well and therefore, not see the need to change their behaviours. In Singapore, Active Health is a national social movement to empower individuals to take ownership of their health and wellness with the support from Active Health Coaches.

Purpose: This study aims to examine if a physical activity intervention coupled with health coaching promotes greater adherence to physical activity in individuals at risk of diabetes.

Methods: To achieve this, a six-week Active Health Targeted Programme combining sport-inspired exercises, building a health and wellness vision and health coaching support was introduced to 100 individuals aged 18-39 years at the start of a 12-Week period. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups, with the intervention group receiving health coaching support. Participants exercised independently from week seven and returned on Week 12 for assessment.

Results & Conclusion: Significant differences in anthropometric and health biomarkers were observed in all participants at week 12. This was accompanied by a significant increase in moderate-intensity physical activity days for the intervention group.

Practical implications: Provision of health coaching in exercise programmes can increase adherence for sustainable habits in individuals.

Funding: NIL

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Information

Study Type: Intervention
Subtheme: Implementation science
Population Group: People with chronic conditions
Setting: Community, Sport, Healthcare

Submitting Author

Jingyi Shannon Chia
Team Lead
Sport Singapore
Singapore

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