Effects of combined training in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Aim: Whole body Vibration (WBV) is a training methodology used both for the improvement of neuromuscular performance in healthy subjects (Sitjà-Rabert et al., 2012) and as an instrument in the treatment of osteoporosis, sarcopenia and metabolic syndrome (Albasini et al., 2010). The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of an intervention protocol on a sample of patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: A total of 24 patients (8F; 16M) aged between 46 and 76 years (M= 63) were involved in a specific 3-month program consisting of 3 one-hour sessions per week. For the case history a Personal File was used. The data relating to the parameters Body Mass Index (BMI), Maximum Oxygen Consumption (VO2max), Weight and Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) were collected at T0 and at T1. The training protocol included the alternating combination of aerobic exercise and WBV. Results: at this initial stage of data processing, the BMI and HbA1c were more sensitive to any changes. The median value of both variables decreased as follows: BMI (= 33.00; = 32.50), HbA1c (= 8.00; = 7.00). In male compared to female examinees the median value decreased by 1 point. Conclusions: The alternating combination of aerobic exercise and WBV proved effective for the two parameters. It would be desirable in the future to increase the sample and evaluate gender differences.