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

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.