Three minutes moderate-intensity stair walking improves glucose and insulin but not insulin sensitivity or total antioxidant capacity

Abstract Background and Aims This study examined the effect of moderate intensity stair stepping exercise on the glycemic response, and antioxidant capacity (TAC) during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Methods and Results Thirty participants (women=12) completed 4 OGTTs during rest or stair walking bouts of 1, 3, and 10min in a randomized order. Blood was collected at baseline and 30min during the OGTTs and analyzed for glucose, insulin, TAC, and lactate. Glucose concentrations were decreased following the 10min (-22.69 (-34.66 to -10.72) mg/dL, p Conclusion This study provides evidence bouts as short as 3min decrease postprandial blood glucose and insulin levels but longer bouts are needed to affect insulin sensitivity.