Muscular Adaptations to Concurrent Resistance Training and High-Intensity Interval Training in Adults with Type 2...

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Metabolic Health
• Clinical Research

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is associated with impaired cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle function.
• Concurrent training combining resistance training (RT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a potential strategy to address these deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of eight weeks of concurrent RT + HIIT versus RT alone on muscle performance, mass, and quality in adults with T2DM.
• To evaluate changes in cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max), muscle strength, power, volume, and quality.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving 12 adults with T2DM, randomized into RT + HIIT (n=5) or RT alone (n=7) groups.
• Training interventions lasted eight weeks.
• Assessments included maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), muscle strength (1RM), muscle power, quadriceps muscle volume (MRI), and muscle quality.

Main Results:

• Both groups showed significant improvements in VO2max, muscle power, volume, and strength after training.
• The RT + HIIT group demonstrated a greater increase in VO2max (+27%) compared to RT alone (+12%).
• RT alone led to greater improvements in muscle quality for leg step-up and leg extension exercises.

Conclusions:

• Concurrent RT + HIIT effectively enhances cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle function, and size in adults with T2DM.
• While RT alone may be superior for improving muscle quality, the combination shows greater benefits for cardiorespiratory adaptations.
• Further research is needed to optimize concurrent training protocols for individuals with T2DM.