The Effects of Water-based Exercise Training in People with Type 2 Diabetes

• Published in: Medicine and science in sports and exercise 2020-02, Vol.52 (2), p.417-424
• Main Authors: SCHEER, ANNA S., NAYLOR, LOUISE H., GAN, SENG K., CHARLESWORTH, JONATHON, BENJANUVATRA, NAT, GREEN, DANIEL J., MAIORANA, ANDREW J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Anthropometry; Blood Glucose - metabolism; Brachial Artery - physiology; Cardiorespiratory Fitness - physiology; Circuit-Based Exercise - methods; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - blood; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - physiopathology; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - therapy; Exercise Therapy - methods; Female; Humans; Lipids - blood; Male; Middle Aged; Muscle Strength - physiology; Vasodilation; Water
• ISSN: 0195-9131; 1530-0315
• DOI: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000002133

PURPOSETo investigate the effects of 8 wk of upright water-based exercise training in people with type 2 diabetes. METHODSThirteen participants with type 2 diabetes (54% male; 60.9 ± 9.6 yr, mean ± standard deviation) completed 8 wk of upright water-based exercise training at a moderate intensity (60%–80% of exercise test-derived maximum HR), for 1 h, three times a week (TG). Fourteen participants (64% male; 63.9 ± 9.8 yr) acted as a control group (CG) who maintained their usual activities. Preintervention and postintervention, participants performed cardiopulmonary exercise testing to determine V˙O2peak and one-repetition maximum testing to assess muscular strength. Blood profiles were assessed with standard assays. Body mass index and waist/hip ratio were employed as measures of anthropometry. Endothelium-dependent (brachial artery flow-mediated dilation) and independent (glyceryl trinitrate-mediated) function were assessed using vascular ultrasound. RESULTSWater-based training increased V˙O2peak (18.5 ± 4.3 mL·kg·min to 21.5 ± 5.4 mL·kg·min) (P = 0.002), overall muscle strength (123 ± 44 kg to 139 ± 43 kg) and leg strength (92 ± 28 kg to 104 ± 29 kg), compared with the CG (P = 0.001). The effect on pectoral strength (31 ± 17 kg to 35 ± 16 kg) was not significantly different to the CG (24 ± 12 kg to 26 ± 14 kg) (P = 0.08). No change was observed in anthropometry, blood profiles, or glyceryl trinitrate-mediated vascular function. Flow-mediated dilation was increased after training (6.1% ± 2.4% to 6.5% ± 3.0%), compared with controls who demonstrated a slight decrease (6.2% ± 1.6% to 5.4% ± 1.6%) (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONSWater-based circuit training was well tolerated and appears to be an effective exercise modality for improving aerobic fitness, strength, and vascular function in people with type 2 diabetes.