Short-term Aerobic Exercise Reduces Arterial Stiffness in Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension and Hypercholesterolemia

Abstract

Objective: The relationship between increased arterial stiffness and cardiovascular mortality is well established in Type 2 diabetes. We examined whether aerobic exercise could reduce arterial stiffness in older adults with Type 2 diabetes complicated by co-morbid hypertension and hyperlipidemia.

Research design and methods: 36 older adults (mean age 71.4±0.7) with diet-controlled or oral hypoglycemic-controlled Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia were recruited. Subjects were randomized to each of 2 groups: an aerobic group (AT, 3 months vigorous aerobic exercise), and a nonaerobic (NA, no aerobic exercise) group. Exercise sessions were supervised by a certified exercise trainer 3 times per week, and utilized a combination of cycle ergometers and treadmills. Arterial stiffness was measured using the Complior device.

Results: When the two groups were compared, aerobic training resulted in a decrease in measures of both radial (−20.7±6.3% versus +8.5±6.6%, p=0.005) and femoral (−13.9±6.7% versus +4.4±3.3%, p=0.015) pulse wave velocity despite the fact that aerobic fitness as assessed by VO_2max (maximal oxygen consumption) did not demonstrate an improvement with training (p=0.026).

Conclusions: Our findings indicate that a relatively short aerobic exercise intervention in older adults can reduce multifactorial arterial stiffness (Type 2 diabetes, aging, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia).