Rockhampton people with poorly controlled type II diabetes and limited mobility are encouraged to take part in a pilot exercise-based research project starting soon.

The project recognises that these people may have had difficulty taking part in aerobic or gym-based exercise programs. It is therefore based on home-based elastic band resistance exercise, supported by initial professional training and audiovisual reminder material.

Volunteers from the Rockhampton area who are willing to take part need to be over 50, overweight and have difficulty walking. They can call Lisa Grice at the Diabetes Clinic on 4920 6495 for details.

Project spokesperson Dr Peter Reaburn said resistance exercise had general health-related benefits. He said if the pilot was successful it could be rolled out to a wider group of type II diabetics.

Research partners include CQU's School of Health and Human Performance; The University of Queensland s School of Medicine (Rural Clinical Division); the Diabetes Education Unit at Rockhampton Hospital; and the Department of Physiotheraphy at Rockhampton Hospital.

The 12-week home-based Rockhampton Resistance Exercise in Diabetes Project is due to be undertaken to examine the effect of such training on insulin-sensitivity and blood glucose levels in aged and overwieght diabetics.ENDS Details are available via Dr Llew Davies, Senior Lecturer and Clinical Warden, Rural Clinical Division, CQ Region, UQ School of Medicine; and Staff Physician, Rockhampton Hospital. Ph: 4920 7392 Mob 0417 726 148 or Dr Peter Reaburn PhD, Exercise Physiologist and Head, School of Health and Human Performance, Central Qld University, Rockhampton. Ph: 4930 6748.