BACKGROUND: This study aimed to identify distinct profiles of physical activity (PA) patterns among individuals with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes participating in a two-year PA trial and to investigate predictors of the profiles.

METHODS: Data (n = 168, collected 2013-2020) from the cohort of a randomized trial aimed at increasing PA in individuals with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes were used. PA and sedentary behaviours were assessed by waist-worn ActiGraph GT1M accelerometers at baseline and at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Fifteen PA and sedentary variables were entered into a latent class mixed model for multivariate longitudinal outcomes. Multinominal regression analysis modelled profile membership based on baseline activity level, age, gender, BMI, disease status and group randomisation.

RESULTS: Two profiles of PA patterns were identified: "Increased activity" (n = 37, 22%) included participants increasing time in PA and decreasing sedentary time. "No change in activity" (n = 131, 78%) included participants with no or minor changes. "Increased activity" were younger (p = 0.003) and more active at baseline (p = 0.011), compared to "No change in activity". No other predictor was associated with profile membership.

CONCLUSIONS: A majority of participants maintained PA and sedentary patterns over two years despite being part of a PA intervention. Individuals improving PA patterns were younger and more active at baseline.