Nordic Walking in Water on Cerebrovascular Reactivity and Cognitive Function in Elderly Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Aquatic Nordic walking (ANW) is a novel whole-body low-impact exercise that can be practiced by a variety of older adults with chronic conditions. However, its efficacy on several aspects of health is largely unknown. Purpose This study aimed to determine the effects of regular ANW on glycemic control and vascular function in older adults with type 2 diabetes and mild cognitive impairment. Methods Thirty-three older adults with type 2 diabetes age 60–75 yr were randomly allocated to nonexercising control (n = 17) or ANW (n = 17) groups. Nordic walking was performed in a pool at water temperature of 34°C–36°C, three times per week for 12 wk. Results Measures of functional physical fitness including chair stand, timed up and go, chair sit and reach, reach and back scratch, and 6-min walk test scores were all improved after ANW (all P < 0.05). Plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance decreased (all P < 0.05) in ANW. Vascular reactivity as assessed by brachial flow-mediated dilation increased, and arterial stiffness as assessed by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity decreased in ANW (all P < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in the control group. Middle cerebral artery pulsatility index decreased with ANW under normocapnia condition (P < 0.05). Cerebrovascular conductance increased with ANW under hypercapnia condition. Montreal Cognitive Assessment score increased in the ANW group (P < 0.001). Changes in Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores were positively associated with corresponding changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (r = 0.540, P = 0.031). Conclusions Nordic walking in water was a safe and effective innovative exercise modality to improve glycemic control, vascular function, physical fitness, cerebrovascular reactivity, and cognitive function in older adults with type 2 diabetes.