Impact of device-measured physical activity on visual functions and health outcomes of Individuals newly diagnosed with Abnormal Glucose Tolerance: A study in Cape Coast, Ghana

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the impact of physical activity on visual functions and health outcomes in individuals recently diagnosed with abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT) in Cape Coast. It was hypothesised that a 12-week physical activity intervention would significantly improve glycaemic levels, anthropometric parameters, biochemical measures, and visual outcomes among the participants. A randomised controlled trial was conducted among 24 recently diagnosed participants (48 eyes), sampled from screening 1200 ostensibly healthy individuals between September 2023 and November 2023. Participants were randomly assigned into experimental and control groups, with the former undergoing a physical activity intervention. Physical activity was tracked objectively using smartphone sensors and subjectively via self-reported measures. Using R, descriptive statistics, paired-sample t-tests, mixed-design ANOVA, and repeated measures MANOVA. The mean objectively measured physical activity was 77.44 ± 44.23 minutes/day. Significant improvements in the experimental group included HbA1c [F (1, 22) = 4.810, p = 0.039], weight [F (1, 22) = 6.899, p = 0.015], BMR [F (1, 22) = 7.861, p = 0.010], total body water [F (1, 22) = 7.405, p = 0.012], total protein [F (1, 22) = 4.948, p = 0.037], globulin [F (1, 22) = 5.600, p = 0.027], suggesting improved metabolic and inflammatory profiles. Visual assessments showed significant improvements in contrast sensitivity in both the right [F (1, 22) = 4.887, p = 0.037], and left [F (1, 22) = 4.937, p = 0.038] eyes, with greater improvements among older adults, males, and participants of lower socio-economic status. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of physical activity in improving health outcomes and early visual function in individuals with AGT, supporting its incorporation into preventive strategies against diabetic eye disease.