The effects of soleus push up on glucose tolerance among individuals with prediabetes

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of a previously invented soleus-dominant exercise in reducing postprandial blood glucose levels in individuals with prediabetes and to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating this soleus push up exercise into their daily routine. It seems that performing the mostly soleus-involved activity in a sitting position during the oral glucose tolerance test results in ~32% lower postprandial glucose excursion than the control results. This effect is also present in the absence of electromyographic feedback. Hereby we conclude that performing this repetitive prolonged contractile muscle activity may help metabolic regulation even in prediabetic people without the need of a laboratory setting. Therefore soleus push up is a potent exercise method that can be effectively completed in a home setting or work environment. However, further validation of this treatment method should be studied in a larger sample size.