Effect of Concurrent Resistance-Aerobic Training on Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio in Pediatric Type 1 Diabetes: A Randomized Trial

Abstract

Objective: The role of post-exercise on the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) is not evident in pediatrics with type 1 diabetes (T1D) yet. This paper reports the results of a research study on how concurrent exercise training affects NLR and PLR in children with T1D.  Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 40 children (boys and girls aged 11.11 ±2.29 years) were randomly divided into an experimental (n=20) and a control group (n=20). The training program included concurrent resistance-aerobic training, which was intermittently performed for 60 minutes at a rate of three times a week for 16 weeks. The participants were analyzed for blood glucose homeostasis, NLR and PLR before and after the program. Data were analyzed by SPSS 22 software with paired T-test and covariance analysis (P< 0.05). Results: The results showed that PLR significantly (P= 0.002) decreased in the exercise group after 16 weeks of concurrent training. This significance was observed between the groups too (P= 0.003). HbA1c decreased both in the exercise group and between the groups (P= 0.001, P= 0.003). NLR exhibited a significant increase both in the exercise group (P= 0.021) and between the groups (P= 0.012.) Conclusion: Concurrent exercise training reduces PLR and HbA1c in children with T1D, which may be related to the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise training.