- EvidenceScore™
- Moderate
- Score 69 · Based on 2 studies
- ImpactScore™
- 75
- Positive
- ConsistencyScore™
- 35
- mixed
Interval walking training may improve physical fitness in type 2 diabetes
Last updated July 18, 2026
Key finding
HDL-C increased from 1.4 mmol/L to 1.5 mmol/L (p = 0.0093).
This pilot study evaluated the effects of Interval Walking Training (IWT) on patients with Type 2 Diabetes, finding significant improvements in HDL-C and VO2 peak.
Quick read
Study at a glance
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Medium-Term (3–12 mo)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
What this paper says
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
This pilot study evaluated the effects of Interval Walking Training (IWT) on patients with Type 2 Diabetes, finding significant improvements in HDL-C and VO2 peak.
Clinical relevance
Improving HDL-C and cardiovascular fitness is crucial for patients with Type 2 Diabetes, as these factors can reduce the risk of heart disease. While the study showed promising results for IWT in enhancing these aspects, the lack of significant changes in HbA1c suggests that more research is needed to fully understand its impact on blood sugar control.
Keep in mind
Small sample size limits generalizability. Non-randomized design may introduce bias. Short duration of intervention may affect long-term outcomes.
Published in
Journal Reference
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Kouhei K, Ako O, Takahiro M, et al. Usefulness of Interval Walking Training in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Pilot Study. PLOS ONE. 2023;18(5):e0285762. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0285762
Main Effects
HDL-C increased significantly from 1.4 to 1.5 mmol/L (p=0.0093).
VO2 peak improved by 10%, from 1,682 mL/min to 1,827 mL/min (p=0.037).
No significant changes were observed in HbA1c levels (p=0.14).
No significant changes were observed in triglyceride levels (p=0.075).
Evidence network
How this study fits
Understand where this research contributes within the broader evidence network.
Evidence Context
This study contributes evidence to High-intensity interval exercise and HDL cholesterol, HbA1c, Triglycerides, and 1 more.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
High-intensity interval exercise
Primary outcomes
- HDL cholesterol
- HbA1c
- Triglycerides
Evidence topics
Primary intervention
Primary outcomes
Evidence relationships
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
Why this study matters
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Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
1
Related topics
4
Evidence pairs
310
Related studies
Why it is useful
- Contributes to 4 evidence relationships
- Includes primary outcome data
- Linked to 1 direct semantic evidence topic
Topic contributions
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
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Primary evidence
Evidence topic
HbA1c Reduction
matched_outcome
Core evidence
Study findings
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
HDL cholesterol
High-intensity interval exercise → HDL cholesterol
High-intensity interval exercise → HDL cholesterol
- EvidenceScore™
- Emerging
- Score 59 · Based on 1 study
- ImpactScore™
- 25
- Negative
- ConsistencyScore™
- unclear
- Not enough independent studies
Triglycerides
High-intensity interval exercise → Triglycerides
High-intensity interval exercise → Triglycerides
- EvidenceScore™
- Emerging
- Score 59 · Based on 1 study
- ImpactScore™
- 50
- Neutral
- ConsistencyScore™
- unclear
- Not enough independent studies
- EvidenceScore™
- Emerging
- Score 59 · Based on 1 study
- ImpactScore™
- 100
- Very Positive
- ConsistencyScore™
- unclear
- Not enough independent studies
Evidence Library
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Evidence Suggest
- HDL-C levels increased by 0.1 mmol/L (p=0.0093).
- VO2 peak increased by 145 mL/min (p=0.037).
- No significant changes in HbA1c or triglycerides.
Who this applies to
- Adults diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes.
- Individuals seeking to improve cardiovascular health.
- Patients with stable health conditions allowing for physical activity.
Keep in Mind
- Results may not apply to all diabetes patients, especially those with comorbidities.
- Further studies are needed to confirm findings and explore long-term effects.
- The study's pilot nature means results should be interpreted cautiously.
Between the Lines
- Small sample size limits generalizability.
- Non-randomized design may introduce bias.
- Short duration of intervention may affect long-term outcomes.
Evidence Library
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Connected Evidence
Explore related studies, evidence collections, and research questions.
Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on High-intensity interval exercise and HbA1c, High-intensity interval exercise and Adipokine and Angiogenic Markers.
Related evidence relationships
Explore in Evidence ExplorerThis study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
High-intensity interval exercise → HbA1c
Physical Activity
- EvidenceScore™
- Moderate
- Score 69 · Based on 2 studies
- ImpactScore™
- 75
- Positive
- ConsistencyScore™
- 35
- mixed
High-intensity interval exercise → Adipokine and Angiogenic Markers
Physical Activity
- EvidenceScore™
- Emerging
- Score 59 · Based on 1 study
- ImpactScore™
- 25
- Negative
- ConsistencyScore™
- unclear
- Not enough independent studies
Included in these evidence collections
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
HbA1c Evidence Hub
All studies measuring HbA1c
Measures HbA1c as a key outcome.
High-intensity interval exercise Evidence Hub
All studies on High-intensity interval exercise
Contributes to High-intensity interval exercise evidence base.
Adipokine and Angiogenic Markers Evidence Hub
All studies measuring Adipokine and Angiogenic Markers
Measures Adipokine and Angiogenic Markers as a key outcome.
Explore more in Evidence Explorer
Jump to pre-filtered views in Evidence Explorer.
All studies on High-intensity interval exercise and HbA1c
2 results
All studies on High-intensity interval exercise and HDL cholesterol
1 results
All studies on High-intensity interval exercise
2 results
All studies measuring HbA1c
2 results
All studies measuring HDL cholesterol
1 results
Questions answered by this study
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Does High-intensity interval exercise improve HbA1c?
High-intensity interval exercise may improve HbA1c.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are mixed and should be interpreted cautiously.
Ranked evidence signals
- 1
HbA1c
EvidenceScore™ Moderate | EvidenceScore™ 69.0 | moderate positive | ConsistencyScore™ Mixed | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is cautious because the available studies report mixed findings.
Limitations
- Only one supporting study is available.
- Population details are unavailable.
Does High-intensity interval exercise improve vo2 max?
High-intensity interval exercise appears to improve VO2 max.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
- 1
VO2 max
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
- Only one supporting study is available.
- Consistency cannot yet be determined.
- Population details are unavailable.
Does High-intensity interval exercise improve triglycerides?
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of High-intensity interval exercise for Triglycerides.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
- 1
Triglycerides
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
- Only one supporting study is available.
- Consistency cannot yet be determined.
- Population details are unavailable.
Does High-intensity interval exercise improve hdl cholesterol?
High-intensity interval exercise may worsen HDL cholesterol or be associated with harm.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
- 1
HDL cholesterol
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | moderate negative | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
- Only one supporting study is available.
- Consistency cannot yet be determined.
- Population details are unavailable.
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