Previous research indicates that the internet, electronic mail (e-mail), and printed materials can be used to deliver interventions to improve physical activity in people with type 2 diabetes. However, no studies have been conducted investigating the effect of e-mail or print delivery of an exercise program on muscular strength and aerobic capacity in people with type 2 diabetes. The purpose of this clinical trial was to investigate the impact of e-mail versus print delivery of an exercise program on muscular strength and aerobic capacity in people with type 2 diabetes. Nineteen participants with type 2 diabetes were allocated to either a group that was delivered a prescribed exercise program using e-mail (e-mail group, n = 10) or a group that was delivered the same prescribed exercise program in print form (print group, n = 9). Chest press and leg press estimated one-repetition maximum (1-RM) scores as well as estimated peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) were measured at baseline and follow-up. Intention-to-treat analysis indicated significant improvements in chest press (mean 7.00 kg, p = 0.001, effect size = 2.22) and leg press (mean 19.32 kg, p = 0.002, effect size = 1.98) 1-RM scores and VO2peak (mean 9.38 mL of oxygen uptake per kilogram of body mass per minute, p = 0.01, effect size = 1.45) within the e-mail group. Within the print group, significant improvements in chest press (mean 9.13 kg, p = 0.01, effect size = 1.49) and leg press (mean 16.68 kg, p = 0.01, effect size = 1.31) 1-RM scores and VO2peak (mean 5.14 ml of oxygen uptake per kilogram of body mass per minute, p = 0.03, effect size = 1.14) were found. No significant between-group differences in improvements were found. Clinicians can deliver a prescribed exercise program, either by e-mail or in print form, to significantly improve muscular strength and aerobic capacity in people with type 2 diabetes, and expect similar outcomes.

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