Introduction & Objective: Individuals with T1D encounter unique challenges regarding physical activity, glucose control, and chronic health conditions. Understanding the connection between diagnosis duration, motor proficiency (MP), physical fitness, and glycemic control is crucial for optimizing health and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between diagnosis duration, MP, and physical fitness in pediatrics and young adults with T1D enrolled in a clinical sports & activity program (CSAP).
Methods: Data were collected from individuals with T1D enrolled in a CSAP, aged 6-21, receiving care at the Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute. Participants underwent assessments for MP, grip strength (GS), sit and reach (SR), body composition, resting metabolic rate (RMR), and cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max). Data were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation test.
Results: Data were analyzed for 37 participants (14.1± 3.5 years; male, n=22, 59.5%<u>,</u> white, n=34, 91.9%). Positive correlations were seen between percent body fat (BF) and GS (rs = -0.382, p <0.05), BF and VO2max (rs =-0.507, p <0.05), BF and vertical jump (VJ; rs =-0.608, p<0.05), RMR and GS (rs =0.791 p<0.05), RMR and VJ (rs =0.615, p<0.05), VJ and MP composite (rs =0.495, p<0.05), GS and VJ (rs =0.619, p<0.05), and MP composite and diagnosis duration (rs = 0.393, p<0.05).
Conclusion: MP composite scores were found to still be high in individuals with T1D even years after diagnosis. Improved physical fitness shows improved markers in cardiorespiratory fitness. Future research should continue to assess motor proficiency and physical fitness as duration of diagnosis increases.
B.J. Thrasher: None. K.A. Wintergerst: None. A.E. Sketch: None. C. Frye: None. T.G. Olajuyigbe: None.
