Blood-Flow Restriction Walking: Effects on Insulin Sensitivity and Aerobic Capacity in Type 2 Diabetes

Background.Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a prevalent global health issue requiring effective management strategies.Exercise plays a key role in improving insulin sensitivity and aerobic capacity.This study examines the impact of Blood-Flow Restriction (BFR) Walk Training on these parameters in T2D patients, hypothesizing that BFR may offer greater benefits than conventional exercise.Objectives.To evaluate the effects of BFR Walk Training on insulin sensitivity, aerobic capacity, and body composition in male patients with T2D.Methods.A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 60 male T2D patients aged 40 to 65. Participants were randomly assigned to a BFR Walk Training group or a conventional exercise group.The intervention lasted for eight weeks, during which the BFR group performed low-intensity walking combined with limb blood-flow restriction while the control group followed standard walking exercises.Pre-and post-intervention assessments included Body Mass Index (BMI), maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), and fasting blood glucose levels.Results.The BFR group showed significant improvements, including a 4.10% reduction in BMI, a 7.96% decrease in fasting glucose levels, and a 26.1% increase in VO2max, all with pvalues <0.001 compared to the control group.Conclusion.BFR Walk Training significantly enhances insulin sensitivity, aerobic capacity, and body composition in T2D patients, offering a novel and effective exercise strategy for diabetes management.