Aquatic and land training on functional and glycemic outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes: preliminary data from Aquatic and Land Exercise for Diabetes randomized clinical trial
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12820/rbafs.31e0429Keywords:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Combined training, Physical fitness, Aquatic exercise, Glycemic controlAbstract
Introduction: People with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) exhibit poor adherence and discomfort associated with traditional exercise practices; therefore, alternative modalities such as aquatic exercise should be investigated. Objective: Investigating the effects of 11 weeks of combined training (aerobic and resistance) performed in different environments (aquatic and land-based) on functional and glycemic outcomes in patients with T2DM. Methods: These are preliminary data from a randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups. The study included adults and older adults of both genders, aged between 45 and 80 years, with T2DM. The training program was conducted three times per week on non-consecutive days, with participants assigned to combined training in either the aquatic (AQUA) or land based (LAND) environment. Assessments were conducted at baseline and after 12 weeks, including the 6-minute walk test (6 MWT), Sit-to-Stand test (STS), Sit-and-Reach test using the Wells bench (Flex), Timed Up and Go at habitual (TUG-h) and maximal speed (TUG-m), and glycemic control markers (fasting glucose and insulin, HOMA-IR, and HbA1c). Results: A total of 37 individuals (18 women; 60.45 ± 8.72 years) participated in the study. Adherence to the training program was 87.1 ± 12.9% in the AQUA group and 81.8 ± 15.5% in the LAND group (p = 0.231). Both groups showed significant improvements in the 6MWT, TUG-h, TUG-m, and Flex tests (p < 0.001), while improvements in the STS were observed only in the AQUA group (p < 0.001). No significant changes were observed in glycemic control. Conclusion: Both aquatic and land-based combined training improved functional capacity in patients with T2DM, with specific gains in lower-limb strength observed only in the AQUA group. Furthermore, 11 weeks of training did not induce significant changes in glycemic control in this population.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Angelica Danielevicz, Larissa dos Santos Leonel, Ingrid Alessandra Victoria Wolin, Marina Isolde Constantini, Herber Orlando Benitez, Mabel Diesel, Cíntia de La Rocha Freitas, Rodrigo Sudatti Delevatti
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