Strength Training's Preventative Capabilities

4/12/2009

There is an emerging body of evidence (listed below) that suggests that resistance training can be viewed as a beneficial preventive measure for risk factors related to type 2 diabetes mellitus in overweight and obese older men and women. More specifically, it is well established that physical inactivity (sedentary lifestyle) is an important contributor to the deterioration of insulin sensitivity with advancing age, through its consequences on loss of muscle mass and muscle strength, as well as increased fat mass. A physical activity regimen focusing on strength training in combination with aerobic exercise can be beneficial through ameliorating the age-related loss of metabolically active muscle tissue which has been shown to be an important determinant of glucose tolerance. Therefore, Lift for Life, an evidence-based strength training program designed for those with or at risk of diabetes, may be a practical public health program to employ for the prevention of diabetes and a healthier lifestyle.

Associate Professor David Dunstan & Full-Bright Scholar Karl Minges  

References

Davidson, L. E., R. Hudson, et al. (2009). "Effects of Exercise Modality on Insulin Resistance and Functional Limitation in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial." Arch Intern Med 169(2): 122-131.

Dipietro, L., C. W. Yeckel, et al. (2008). "Progressive improvement in glucose tolerance following lower-intensity resistance versus moderate-intensity aerobic training in older women." J Phys Act Health 5(6): 854-69.

Reynolds, T. H., M. A. Supiano, et al. (2004). "Resistance training enhances insulin-mediated glucose disposal with minimal effect on the tumor necrosis factor-alpha system in older hypertensives." Metabolism 53(3): 397-402.

Banz, W. J., M. A. Maher, et al. (2003). "Effects of Resistance versus Aerobic Training on Coronary Artery Disease Risk Factors." Experimental Biology and Medicine 228(4): 434-440.

Ryan, A. S., D. E. Hurlbut, et al. (2001). "Insulin Action After Resistive Training in Insulin Resistant Older Men and Women." Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 49(3): 247-253.

Eriksson, J., J. Tuominen, et al. (1998). "Aerobic Endurance Exercise or Circuit-Type Resistance Training for Individuals with Impaired Glucose Tolerance?" Horm Metab Res 30(01): 37-41.

Ryan, A., R. Pratley, et al. (1996). "Resistive training increases insulin action in postmenopausal women." J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 51(5): M199-205.

Miller, J. P., R. E. Pratley, et al. (1994). "Strength training increases insulin action in healthy 50- to 65-yr-old men." J Appl Physiol 77(3): 1122-1127.