Undulatory physical resistance training program increases maximal strength in elderly type 2 diabetics

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Exercise Physiology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes in the elderly is associated with reduced muscle mass and strength.
• Maintaining muscle strength is crucial for functional independence and quality of life in older adults.
• Physical resistance training is a key intervention for managing type 2 diabetes and its complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a 16-week undulatory physical resistance training protocol on maximal strength in elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes.
• To compare strength gains between a trained group and an untrained control group.

Main Methods:

• 48 participants (60-85 years) with type 2 diabetes were divided into trained (n=29) and untrained (n=19) groups.
• The trained group underwent undulatory resistance training 3x/week for 16 weeks, alternating 50% and 70% of one-repetition maximum weekly.
• Maximal strength was assessed using one-repetition maximum tests on various resistance equipment before and after the intervention.

Main Results:

• Significant strength increases were observed in the trained group post-intervention (p<0.05).
• Average strength gains included 43.20% (knee extension), 65.00% (knee flexion), 27.80% (seated chest press), 31.00% (seated row), 43.90% (biceps curl), and 21.10% (triceps extension).

Conclusions:

• Undulatory resistance training with varied weekly overloads is an effective strategy for enhancing maximal strength in elderly type 2 diabetics.
• This training modality shows promise for improving physical function and potentially mitigating sarcopenia in this population.