Effect of combined aerobic and resistance exercise on metabolic syndrome markers, motor function, and postural control in elderly men with type 2 diabetes

Background and Aim: The aging process is typically associated with a decline in motor function and an increased incidence of certain diseases, particularly metabolic syndrome and diabetes. This study aimed to determine the effects of an 8-week combined exercise program on metabolic syndrome markers, motor function, and postural control in elderly men with type 2 diabetes. Methods: In a semi-experimental study, 20 elderly men (mean age 67.18 ± 4.43 years) with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to two groups: experimental (10 subjects) and control (10 subjects). The experimental group performed combined exercises for 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week, for 90 minutes (aerobic exercise at 50-70% of maximum heart rate; resistance exercise at 40-70% of 1 repetition maximum). Serum levels of glucose, lipid profile, motor function, and postural control were measured before the intervention and 48 hours after the last exercise session. Results: Combined exercise significantly reduced serum levels of glucose (P=0.001), total cholesterol (P=0.001), triglycerides (P=0.02), and LDL (P=0.001) in elderly men with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, there was a significant increase in HDL (P=0.01) in the exercise group. Motor function (P=0.01) and postural control (P=0.01) also improved significantly after the exercise intervention. Conclusion: Combined exercise appears to be an effective and appropriate strategy for controlling blood glucose, improving lipid profile, and enhancing motor function and postural control in older men with type 2 diabetes.