Can 12-Week Resistance Training Improve Muscle Strength, Dynamic Balance and the Metabolic Profile in Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of 12-week resistance training (RT) on muscle strength, dynamic balance, glycemic control and the lipid profile. Methods: The Laboratory of Movement Studies in the University of São Paulo, Brazil, developed this longitudinal study between 2021 and 2023. It assessed 62 males with type 2 diabetes mellitus pre and post an RT protocol. The participants, who were 69.8 (±3.9) years old, took part in a 12-week twice-weekly RT program. Three sets of eight to twelve repetitions each were executed for eight exercises targeting the large muscle groups. The intensity was set between 7 and 8 out of 10 for perceived effort, according to the Omni Resistance Exercise Scale. All participants were evaluated pre and post in knee extensor and flexor strength by isokinetic dynamometry, handgrip strength by manual dynamometry and dynamic postural balance by a force platform, as well as blood tests to determine the lipid and glycemic profiles. For comparison, paired t or Wilcoxon tests were used at an alpha of 5%. Results: There was an improvement in muscular strength by handgrip restricted to the non-dominant side ( p = 0.033) and for the bilateral knee flexors ( p < 0.001) and extensors ( p < 0.001), as determined by isokinetic dynamometry. There was no improvement in dynamic postural balance, glycemic control or lipid control. Conclusions: The 12-week RT promoted improved muscle strength in knee extension and flexion and non-dominant grip pressure but did not affect dynamic balance, glycemic control or the lipid profile.