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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Boston, Massachusetts » Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center On Aging » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #162015
Title: RESISTANCE TRAINING AND DIABETES

Author
item CASTANEDA-SCEPPA, CARMEN - TUFTS-HNRCA

Submitted to: Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/2/2004
Publication Date: 6/1/2004
Citation: Castaneda-Sceppa, C. 2004. Resistance training and diabetes [abstract]. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 36(5 Suppl):S93.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Research on the effects of resistance exercise training in diabetes is minimal compared to that involving endurance exercise. Resistance training, which preferentially targets muscle mass, has potential to improve diabetes management. Skeletal muscle plays a pivotal role in maintaining glucose homeostasis, accounting for as much as 85% of insulin-stimulated glucose removal. We determine the feasibility and efficacy of structured progressive resistance exercise training in a high-risk population of Hispanic older adults with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. Sixty-two Hispanics (40 women, 22 men; mean age 66+/-8 (SD) y) were randomized to high intensity resistance training or a control group for 16 weeks. Glycemic and metabolic control, body composition, skeletal muscle mass, and muscle function were measured before and after the intervention. Diabetic subjects who performed resistance training, as compared to controls, significantly improved glycemic control (-12.6+/-2.1 vs. +1.2+/-1.4%, P=0.01) and muscle glycogen stores (+31+/-7 vs. '23+/-6%. P=0.04). They also improved systolic blood pressure (- 9.7+/-1.6 vs. +7.7+/-1.9 mmHg, P=0.05) and reduced trunk fat mass (-0.07+/-0.1 vs. +0.8+/-0.1 kg, P=0.01). In addition, weight lifters but not controls, experienced significant gains in lean body mass (+1.2+/-0.2 vs. '0.1+/-0.1kg, P=0.04), muscle hypertrophy of type I (+23+/-34 vs. ' 4+/-28%, P=0.05) and type II (+26+/-32 vs. '3+/-31%, P=0.03) muscle fibers and muscle strength (+33+/-7% vs. '15+/-3%, P=0.0001). Finally, performance-based physical function and physical activity were also improved with resistance training, as shown by +15+/-21% improvement in the physical performance test score, and 238+/-98% increase in spontaneous physical activity as compared to controls (0+/-10%, and '44+/-41% respectively, P<0.01). High intensity progressive resistance training is a safe, feasible and effective adjunct to diabetes care in this high-risk population. Given the epidemic of diabetes worldwide, and the well-known beneficial effects of exercise and regular physical activity for diabetes control; mechanisms for adopting a physically active lifestyle 'including progressive resistance training, should be a major public health goal.