Interval walking training as a potential contributor to motor function improvement in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a retrospective analysis

TL;DR

Interval walking training can improve motor function in adults with type 2 diabetes, especially when muscle quality and quantity are maintained.

Contribution

The study shows that interval walking training improves specific motor function indicators in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Findings

Interval walking training significantly improved peak vertical ground reaction force and rate of force development in adults with T2DM.

Balance index scores also improved, with baseline muscle quality linked to changes in force metrics.

Improvements were observed in both older and younger adults with T2DM.

Abstract

In adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hyperglycemia and related complications may impair skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and quality, leading to reduced motor function. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of interval walking training (IWT) on three motor function indicators: peak vertical ground reaction force normalized by body weight (F/w), rate of force development normalized by body weight (RFD/w), and balance index score (BIS).

This retrospective analysis utilized data from a previous pilot trial of IWT. Changes in motor function were assessed using a motor function analyzer, and factors associated with these changes were identified using multiple linear regression analysis.

Among 51 adults with T2DM (including 24 aged ≥65 years), IWT significantly improved F/w (median [IQR]: 1.32 [1.26–1.36] to 1.32 [1.27–1.38] kgf/kg, p = 0.038), RFD/w (9.50 [8.03–13.12] to 10.2 [9.43–11.00] kgf/s/kg, p = 0.001), and BIS (52.0 [44.5–55.0] to 54.0 [48.0–56.0], p = 0.020). Notably, RFD/w showed significant improvement in both older (≥65 years: 9.45 [8.25–10.05] to 10.10 [8.80–10.45], p = 0.025) and non-older adults (<65 years: 9.90 [7.75–11.18] to 10.80 [9.58–11.85], p = 0.005). Baseline muscle quality was associated with changes in F/w and RFD/w, while increased leg SMM was linked to improvements in BIS.

IWT may serve as a potential contributor to improved motor function in adults with T2DM, particularly when combined with strategies to maintain or enhance skeletal muscle quality and quantity.

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