Low-load high-velocity resistance exercises improve strength and functional capacity in diabetic patients

• Main Authors: Rodrigo Celes, Martim Bottaro, Eduardo Cadore, Jane Dullius, Fabiano Schwartz, Filipe Luzine
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: PAGEPress Publications 2017-06-01
• Series: European Journal of Translational Myology
• Subjects: Type 2 diabetes; Power output; Rate of force development; Rate of velocity development; Strength training
• Online Access: http://www.pagepressjournals.org/index.php/bam/article/view/6292
• ISSN: 2037-7452; 2037-7460

This study investigated the effects of low-load high-velocity resistance exercises on neuromuscular and functional outcomes in patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) during the early-phase of resistance training. Thirty participants with T2D performed 18 training sessions (6 weeks – 3x week) in one of two groups: low-load high-velocity exercises (LLHV, n=15, 62.1±10.5 years) or recreational activities (RA, n=15 56.7 ± 19.4 years). LLHV performed resistance exercises with 3x 8reps as fast as possible with 50-60% 1RM. RA performed light activities. Strength, power, and functional tests were assessed. There was significant increasing in the knee extension peak-torque at 60º/s (7.6%) and 180º/s (12.2%), rate of force development in the LLHV group (P<0.05), whereas there were no changes in the RA group. Significant increases in functional test were observed in the LLHV group (P<0.01) with no changes in the RA group. In conclusion, the LLHV induced marked improvements in neuromuscular parameters, as well as in the functional capacity of participants with T2D.