Exercise to preserve beta cell function in recent-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus (EXTOD) - a study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial

Table 5 Graded exercise protocol

Week	Total minutes per week	Intensity (% VO2max)	Heart rate target (bpm)*	RPE Borg scale
1	75	55	(220-age × intensity %)^a
2	85	60		Light exercise
3 and 4	100	60
5 and 6	110	65
7	115	70		Moderate exercise
8 and 9	115	70
10 and 11	130	75		Heavy breathing / sweating
12 onwards	150 (minimum)	75

This exercise program is designed to encourage a gradual increase in physical activity over the course of 12 weeks. The starting point on the scale depends on the individual’s current fitness level.
From 12 weeks onwards, the aim is to achieve a minimum of 150 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity exercise.
RPE Borg Scale: Ratings of Perceived Exertion on a scale of 6 to 20; Heart rate in bpm (beats per minute*), ^afor example, a 45 year-old man wishing to undertake exercise at 65% intensity would aim for a heart rate of (220 to 245) × 0.65 = 114 bpm [37].

ISSN: 1745-6215