Document Type : Research Paper I Open Access I Released under CC BY-NC 4.0 license
Authors
1 Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Mazandaran - Babolsar
2 Department of Sports Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University, of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran.
Abstract
Introduction: There is substantial clinical evidence indicating that the hemorheological properties of blood are significantly impaired in elderly individuals, particularly those with diabetes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 40 sessions of High-Intensity Functional Training (HIFT) and Intermittent Nordic Walking (INW) on hemorheological, cardiovascular, and physical performance indices in sedentary prediabetic men and women.
Methods In this study, 60 patients (30 men and 30 women) aged 55 to 75 years with HbA1c >7.5 participated. Participants of each gender were randomly assigned to three groups: INW, HIFT, and control (10 people in each group). The 40-session training protocol was conducted based on the principle of progressive overload. Hemorheological assessments were performed before and after the interventions:
Results: Both training methods led to significant reductions in fibrinogen levels (p = 0.002), blood viscosity (p ≤ 0.001), and hematocrit (p = 0.001), as well as improvements in upper-body strength (p ≤ 0.001), lower-body strength (p ≤ 0.001), and six-minute walk performance (p ≤ 0.001). Although no significant differences were found between the two training methods, the effects were more pronounced in men than in women..
Conclusion: The use of effective non-pharmacological strategies, such as regular physical exercise, can improve cardiovascular health and physical performance in men and women at risk of diabetes.
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