The impact on glycemic control through progressive resistance training with bioDensity in Chinese elderly patients with type 2 diabetes: The PReTTy2 (Progressive Resistance Training in Type 2 Diabetes) Trial.

AIMS

To evaluate the effects of a novel, low-volume, high-intensity Progressive Resistance Training (PRT) technique on blood glucose control in elderly Chinese patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The PReTTy2 trial enrolled 300 male and female patients with Type 2 Diabetes in a randomized resistance training program with the bioDensity™ technique. 100 were control patients with no training intervention and 200 had resistance training. Anthropometry, biochemical parameters, HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were measured at baseline, 3-month and 6-month intervals.

RESULTS

265 patients completed the study with no adverse events. There were no statistically significant differences in HbA1c for all patients, control and PRT groups, at baseline (p = 0.60), 3 months (p = 0.42) and 6-months (p = 0.45). Subgroup analysis with baseline HbA1c > 7.5% (58 mmol/mol), showed statistically significant differences in HbA1c and FPG between groups at 6 months (p < 0.05). All PRT group patients had statistically significant differences from baseline at 6 months for HDL (1.25 + 0.32 vs. 1.17 + 0.26 mmol/L, p < 0.001), LDL (3.23 ± 0.89 vs. 2.93 ± 0.80 mmol/L, p < 0.001) and total cholesterol (4.97 ± 1.22 vs. 4.58 ± 1.03 mmol/L, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

PRT improves glycemic indices in elderly patients with Type 2 Diabetes with poor glucose control as an adjunct to diet and medication. Progressive Resistance Training with bioDensity™ is feasible, safe and effective in elderly patients with Type 2 Diabetes.