Effects of Aerobic Exercise vs. Resistance Training on Endothelial Function in Women with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background

There is controversy over whether aerobic or resistance exercise is more effective for improving endothelial function in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study was aimed to investigate the effects of an aerobic and resistance training program on endothelial function, and the influences of glycemic control, body weight changes, and aerobic capacity in T2DM.

Methods

Total 40 overweight women with T2DM were assigned into 3 groups: an aerobic exercise group (AEG, n=13), resistance exercise group (REG, n=12), and control group (CG, n=15), and followed either brisk walking for the AEG or resistance band training for the REG, 60 minutes per day, 5 days per week for 12 weeks with monitoring daily activity using accelerometers. We assessed endothelial function by flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and aerobic capacity by oxygen uptake at anaerobic threshold (AT_VO₂) at baseline and following training program.

Results

The mean participants' age was 57.0±6.8 years, and body mass index (BMI) was 27.0±2.3 kg/m². After intervention, FMD increased by 2.2±1.9% in AEG, which differed from REG and CG (P=0.002), despite of decreased body weight (BW) in both AG and RG (2.8±2.5%, P=0.002; 1.6±2.0%, P=0.017, respectively). A significant increased AT_VO₂ and decreased HbA1c were found only in AEG. In all participants, FMD was changed with the significant relations to the AT_VO₂ (r=0.348, P=0.035), but not to HbA1c levels or BW.

Conclusion

Aerobic exercise appears to be more beneficial than resistance exercise for improving endothelial function in T2DM. In addition, aerobic capacity could be a better predictor of changes in FMD than BW and glycemic control.

INTRODUCTION

The endothelium is a thin layer of cells at the internal surface of blood vessels; it also regulates vascular tension and maintains structure. The function of the vessel walls and interactions with adjacent blood components are included, and are endocrine organs that play important physiological roles [1]. Endothelial dysfunction has been recognized as the early event and the common feature of chronic disorders associated with increased risk for atherosclerotic heart diseases [2]. As nitric oxide bioavailability, crucial for maintaining vascular endothelial health and function, decrease, the endothelial dysfunction that is measured by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) accompanies a number of cardiovascular disease states including hypertension, diabetes, chronic heart failure, and atherosclerosis. Regular exercise increases the numbers of smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells, expands aortic vessels, and increases arterial diameter. Smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells promote differentiation, and increases in the number of capillaries contribute to favorable outcomes in vasculature [3]. Evidence is emerging to support a role for improved nitric oxide bioavailability with training as a result of enhanced synthesis and reduced oxidative stress-mediated destruction [4].

Xiang and Wang [5] conducted a 6-month study on subjects with impaired fasting glucose (IFG). Their subjects performed aerobic exercise 4 to 6 times per week for 40 to 45 minutes at an intensity of 70% to 75% of maximum heart rate (HRmax), which resulted in significant improvements to endothelial function. When Cohen et al. [6] studied the effects of a 14-month progressive resistance exercise program (75% to 85% 1RM, 3 sets, 8 reps) on obese subjects with T2DM, they also reported improvements in endothelial function. In addition to these studies, numerous other studies that have reported the improvements on endothelial cell function that result from exercise [7-9]. In contrast, Ostergard et al. [10] conducted a 10-week study on the effects of aerobic exercise on obese T2DM subjects, and reported no change in FMD. Wycherley et al. [11] performed a 12-week study involving a combination of exercise and dietary therapy on T2DM subjects, and also reported no change in endothelial function. Middlebrooke et al. [12] also conducted a 6-month aerobic exercise study on T2DM subjects, and reported no significant change in vascular endothelial function. Thus, the results of studies on the effects of exercise on endothelial function in T2DM subjects are varied. Similar studies that compare the effectiveness of different exercise modalities endothelial cell function in Korean T2DM subjects are still lacking, as are studies on the factors associated with endothelial cell function.

In the current study, the effects of aerobic exercise and resistance exercise on endothelial cell function, vascular on endothelial cell function, body weight, glycated hemoglobin levels, and their relationships with cardiorespiratory fitness were assessed in Korean women with T2DM.

METHODS

Study subjects

Forty female subjects with T2DM who visited the Diabetes Center at Eulji Hospital participated in this study. This clinical study was approved by the judging panel of the Hospital Studies Board (approval number: EMCIRB 10-107). The study sample consisted of type 2 diabetic women between the ages of 45 and 65 years. Women with body mass indexes (BMIs) over 23 kg/m² were classified as overweight, and those with low risk for hypoglycemia were treated with metformin monotherapy. To reduce drug effects, we selected subjects with glycated hemoglobin values under 9% who received over 1,000 mg of metformin per day, and drug dosages were maintained throughout the study. The administration and dosages of antihypertensive agents was also maintained (angiotensin receptor blocker, ARB; angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, ACEI; calcium channel blockers, CCB) in participants (aerobic exercise group, 8 subjects; resistance exercise group, 7 subjects; control group, 10 subjects). Subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, uncontrollable cardiac arrhythmias, severe valvular heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, and severe illness that precluded them from exercising were excluded from this study. The numbers of subjects taking antihypertensive agents in the three groups did not differ. The subjects were investigated for family history of coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease, stroke, and arterial stiffness, and no significant differences were found between the three groups. In addition, pulse wave conduction velocity tests showed no significant differences between the three groups.

Exercise methods

During the 2-week screening period, we tracked regular physical activity and dietary calories consumed by the study subjects, and then randomly assigned the subjects to one of three groups: a moderately intense exercise group (n=13), a resistance exercise group (n=12), or a control group (n=15). For the 12 weeks that followed, each group performed the corresponding exercise therapy program.

For the aerobic exercise group, the subjects were assigned to walk for 60 minutes per session, 5 times per week at a moderate intensity, as recorded by a multi-record accelerometer. An accelerometer reading of 4 to 6 (3.6 to 6.0 METs) was established as the correct intensity. During the first 4 weeks, the subjects visited the hospital once per week; for the remaining 8 weeks, the subjects visited the hospital every two weeks.

The resistance exercise group used resistance bands (Thera-band; Hygenic Co., Akron, OH, USA) in their exercise programs. The amount of resistance in the band is dependent on the band length. When the bands are stretched 50/75/100%, red bands provide 1.2/1.5/1.8 kg of resistance, green bands provide 1/5/1.9/2.3 kg of resistance, and blue bands provide 2.1/2.7/3.2 kg of resistance, respectively. To elicit the proper adaptations in connective tissue, the resistance was set at its minimum setting for the first two weeks, and strength was gradually increased by up to 40-50% over the 12-week study period. Three sets of 10 to 15 exercises were performed per exercise session. Exercise frequency was 3 sessions per week, and the sessions were conducted in groups. The subjects were instructed to start with a 10-minute warm-up, perform 40 minutes of resistance training, and cool-down for 10 minutes.

The resistance training program was based on a method used by Dean et al. [13]. Upper body exercises included bicep curls, tricep extensions, upright rows, shoulder chest press, and seated rows. Core exercises included trunk side bends, and lower body exercises included a leg press, hip flexions, leg flexions, and leg extensions.

During the 12-week study period, the control group maintained usual activities and was not required to exercise.

Metrics and measurement methods

Anthropometric measurements and biochemical tests

Before the study, and after the 12-week study period, the height and weight of the subjects were measured with the subjects wearing only thin gowns. BMI was then calculated by dividing weight (kg) by height squared (m²). Waist circumference was measured at the narrowest point between the bottom of the ribs and the top of the iliac crest using a tape measure after the subject had exhaled comfortably. Blood pressure was measured after 10 minutes of rest in a seated position, and using a mercury sphygmomanometer (Yamasu, Tokyo, Japan).

Venous blood samples were collected for biochemical testing following a 10-hour fast, and were separated via centrifuge at 3,000 rpm for 10 minutes. The samples were then stored at -70℃ until used for analysis. Fasting blood glucose levels were measured by glucose oxidation, and glycated hemoglobin values were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were measured using an enzymatic reaction measuring kit, and were analyzed using an automatic biochemical analyzer (Hitachi 7170; Hitachi, Tokyo, Japan). Fasting insulin levels were measured using the Inmylife 2000 (Siemens, Mountain View, CA, USA) electrochemical luminescence immunoassay.

Physical activity caloric expenditure and dietary caloric intake survey

A multi-record accelerometer was used to monitor the physical activity of the study participants (Lifecorder; Suzuken Co., Nagoya, Japan) [14,15]. The multi-record accelerometer is able to store data and vertical movements of the body are recorded at 4-second intervals. There were 11 levels of exercise intensity, 0 representing no exercise at all. Activity level was determined by the intensities as follows: 0.5, micro-activity; 1-3, low intensity exercise; 4-6, moderate exercise; 7-9, high intensity exercise; and 11, maximum intensity exercise performed for at least 2 minutes following high intensity exercise. Prior to experiments, age, sex, height, and weight measurements were taken, and after inputting activity durations, and excluding sleep and bath times when the accelerometer could not be worn, levels of normal physical activity were investigated for 2 weeks. Basal metabolic rate, total energy consumed vs. body weight, daily average energy expenditure from activity, average time spent walking, average energy used during maximum energy burning activity and the intensity of that physical activity, were all estimated. The intensity of each activity was then analyzed based on time. Data were re-input every 2 weeks based on changes in body weight.

A 3-day dietary caloric intake survey was completed by the three groups that covered 2 weekdays, and 1 weekend day. The subjects recorded their dietary intakes on recording forms, and had the details of their dietary consumption reviewed during a biweekly visit. To record meals, the subjects were given simple dietary record-keeping pre-training, and the amounts of food consumed and the ingredients of every meal consumed were recorded on the dietary consumption investigation form, along with nutritional supplements, snacks, and other intake. To improve the accuracy of the dietary records that were collected, a dietician used full-scale food models (Korea Mirage Model), measuring cups, measuring spoons, photos of food, and visual estimates (The Korean Dietetic Association, 1999) during direct interviews with the subjects while reviewing the details of their records. The computer-aided nutritional analysis program CAN-Pro version 2.0 (Korean Nutrition Society, Seoul, Korea) was used to analyze dietary record data and to convert data to nutritional intake values.

Graded exercise test

The graded exercise test was performed using a stationary bicycle (ER 900, D-72475 Bits; JAGER, Wuerzburg, Germany). During rest and during incremental exercise tests, blood pressure and heart rates were taken. We increased power output by 20 W every 2 minutes (as measured using respiratory gas analysis) until the subjects were no longer able to continue exercising. The criterion for stopping the exercise test was the subject absolutely quitting exercising during the exercise test [16]. We recorded and analyzed respiratory gas data that were collected every 15 seconds before exercise, during exercise, and during recovery; heart rate, oxygen consumption, work-load, respiratory rate, and other parameters were recorded and graphed automatically. Blood pressure was measured every 2 minutes using an automatic blood pressure monitor. During the bicycle exercise, pedaling speed was maintained at 50 to 60 rpm. Anabolic threshold (AT) was calculated based on carbon dioxide emissions, displayed on a screen every 15 seconds on an X and Y axis graph, and was later analyzed using a regression analysis program.

Endothelial cell function test

To confirm endothelial cell function, we measured endothelium-dependent vasodilation response (FMD) in the brachial arteries, and endothelium independent vasodilation (EID) using the 11 MHz transducer of a high-resolution B-mode ultrasound device (LOGIC 400 CL PRO; GE Medical Systems, Milwaukee, WI, USA). To eliminate effects from the tests, the subjects maintained a fasting state for 10 hours during the examination, and were also instructed not to consume alcohol, caffeine, or smoke. Measurements were made based on the examination method recommended by Celermajer et al. [17]. First, 10 minutes after measuring baseline FMD, and following subglossal administration of 0.6 mg nitroglycerin, EID was measured using vascular smooth muscle sensitivity to exogenous nitric oxide, particularly to see organic diseases in the vascular smooth muscle. Subjects were stabilized in the supine position on a bed, and using high-resolution B-mode echocardiography, the diameter of the left brachial artery was measured twice, and the average of the two readings was defined as baseline. We located the upper 5 to 10 cm of the brachial artery by probing the antecubital fossa, and the center of the brachial artery was set as the reference point of the brachial artery. Using the B-mode ultrasound device, the vessel diameter was measured as the distance from the intima/vascular media interface (m-line) on one side of the vessel to the same interface on the opposite side of the vessel. We took our measurements immediately before the end of the diastole and the origin of electrocardiogram R, to reduce variability in the measurement. Following the baseline vessel diameter measurement, and after removing the probe, a brachial cuff was applied and the pressure in the cuff was raised to 250 mm Hg and maintained for 5 minutes. The pressure reading on the sphygmomanometer was then lowered to 0 mm Hg, and the probes were repositioned after removing the sphygmomanometer cuff. The rate of blood flow was recorded for 50 seconds following cuff removal and the maximum stretch diameter of the brachial artery was calculated based on the blood flow rate.

Increases in vessel diameter were calculated as a percentage change from baseline in a hyperglycemic state, and represent the FMD response. To measure EID, the subjects were instructed to relax in a supine position for 10 minutes following the FMD measurement. After re-measuring the baseline brachial artery diameter, 0.6 mg of nitroglycerine was administered hypoglossally. During 4 minutes of observation with a probe, when the brachial artery diameter had increased to its maximum size, the increased diameter was calculated as a percentage, and expressed as the EID response.

Statistical analysis

We used the statistical analysis program SPSS for Windows version 15.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) to calculate the means and standard deviations of the values collected. For values that did not follow a normal distribution, analysis was performed after log transformation. To compare each group, a one-way ANOVA was performed, and the before and after comparisons within group were performed using paired t-tests. A partial correlation analysis was used to adjust the correlation analysis of FMD, glycated hemoglobin, weight, age, relationship with cardiorespiratory fitness, and duration of diabetes. P values under 0.05 were considered statistically significant in the interpretation of the results.

RESULTS

General characteristics of the study subjects

The 40 participants were divided into 3 groups: the aerobic exercise group (13 subjects), resistance exercise group (12 subjects), and control group (15 subjects). The overall mean age was 57.0±6.8 years and the mean duration of diabetes mellitus was 5.4±4.9 years. Mean BMI was 27.0±2.3 kg/m², mean glycated hemoglobin was 7.4±0.8%, and age, duration of diabetes mellitus, BMI, and glycated hemoglobin were not significantly different between the groups. Insulin and cholesterol levels were not significantly different among three groups. The mean flow-mediated, endothelium-dependent vasodilation (FMD), endothelium-independent vasodilation (EID) were 4.6±2.0% and 18.0±5.7%, respectively, and the values were not significantly different among three groups. The anaerobic ventilation threshold for the aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, and control groups were 8.8±2.7 mL/min/kg, 10.2±3.6 mL/min/kg, and 9.7±4.1 mL/min/kg, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the groups. Mean daily caloric expenditure from aerobic or resistance exercise and total calories expended were 273.9±70.1 kcal/day and 1,849.7±181.6 kcal/day, respectively, and mean daily dietary caloric intake was 1,884.3±142.8 kcal/day. There were no significant differences in these results between groups (Table 1).

Table 1.

Clinical characteristics of study subjects at baseline

Values are presented as mean±standard deviation. P values were calculated from ANOVA test among 3 groups.

AEG, aerobic exercise group; REG, resistance exercise group; CG, control group; DM, diabetes mellitus; BMI, body mass index; HbA1c, glycosylated hemoglobin; HDL-C, high density lipoprotein cholesterol; LDL-C, low density lipoprotein cholesterol; FMD, flow-mediated vasodilation; EID, endothelium independent vasodilation; AT_VO₂, oxygen uptake at anaerobic threshold; AEE, activity energy expenditure; TEE, total energy expenditure; DEI, dietary energy intake.

Changes in anthropometric measurements and biochemical markers

After 12 weeks of exercise, the aerobic exercise group decreased their mean body weight by 2.8±2.5%, which was a significant reduction compared to baseline and the control group (P=0.002, P=0.003, respectively). There was also a significant difference between the groups (P=0.045). In addition, the resistance exercise group showed a reduction of 1.6±2.0% (P=0.017) compared to baseline, and the control group a 0.9±1.6% weight loss compared to baseline; however neither change was statistically significant (P=0.055). Glycated hemoglobin levels in the aerobic exercise group decreased by 6.6±9.8%, and compared to baseline and the control group, this was a significant change (P=0.027, P=0.015, respectively); however, there was no significant difference between the groups (P=0.122). Resistance exercise caused a 4.4±9.9% reduction in glycated hemoglobin levels; however, compared to baseline and the control group, this was not a significant change. The control group increased their glycated hemoglobin levels by 0.1±6.4%, but this, too, was not a statistically significant difference. Insulin and cholesterol levels did not change significantly in the aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, or control groups (Table 2).

Table 2.

Changes in anthropometric and biochemical variables

Values are presented as mean±standard deviation. P values were calculated from ANOVA test between 3 group at the time of 12 week.

AEG, aerobic exercise group; REG, resistance exercise group; CG, control group; HbA1c, glycosylated hemoglobin; HDL-C, high density lipoprotein cholesterol; LDL-C, low density lipoprotein cholesterol.

^aComparison between baseline and intervention within group, ^bSignificantly different compared to control group.

Changes in calories consumed vs. changes in calories expended for physical activity

After 12 weeks, the calories burned by the aerobic exercise group increased by 125.9 kcal/day from baseline; however, this was significantly different from the resistance exercise group or control group (P=0.001, P<0.001, respectively). There was no significant change in this regard in the resistance group or the control group.

The caloric intake of the aerobic exercise group, resistance exercise group, and control group all decreased significantly from baseline by 137.4±166.1 kcal/day, 124.8±128.9 kcal/day, and 131.7±126.4 kcal/day, respectively (P=0.001, P<0.001, P=0.001, respectively), but there was no significance among three groups (P=0.164) (Table 3).

Table 3.

Changes in activity energy expenditure (AEE), dietary energy intake (DEI), and endothelial function

Values are presented as mean±standard deviation. P values were calculated from ANOVA test among 3 groups at the time of 12 week.

AEG, aerobic exercise group; REG, resistance exercise group; CG, control group; AT_VO₂, uptake oxygen at anaerobic threshold; FMD, flow-mediated vasodilation; EID, endothelium independent vasodilation.

^aComparison between baseline and intervention within group, ^bSignificantly different compared to control group.

Changes in cardiorespiratory fitness

The oxygen consumption at the anaerobic threshold values was used to assess cardiorespiratory fitness, which increased from baseline by 7.1±5.1 mL/min/kg in the aerobic exercise group, and it was a significant difference compared to the resistance exercise group and the control group (P=0.022, P=0.002, respectively). There were also significant differences between all three groups (P=0.006). There was no significant change between the resistance exercise group and the control group (Table 3).

Changes in endothelial function

In the aerobic exercise group, FMD, which reflects endothelial cell function, was enhanced by 2.2±1.9%. This is a significant difference from the control group and baseline (P=0.002, P=0.005, respectively), and there were significant differences between groups, as well (P=0.002). The resistance group improved by 0.7±3.6% from baseline, but the change was not statistically significant (P=0.535), and the control group showed a reduction of 0.7±2.8% (P=0.365) from baseline. EID in the aerobic exercise group increased significantly from baseline, but there were no significant differences between groups, and the resistance group and the control group showed no statistically significant changes in EID (Table 3).

Relationships between endothelial cell function and glycated hemoglobin, and body weight and cardiorespiratory fitness

After 12 weeks of exercise, and after adjusting for age, body weight, and duration of diabetes mellitus, changes in glycated hemoglobin and endothelial cell function were shown to have no correlation (r=-0.042, P=0.806). Changes in body weight and in endothelial function were also shown to have no correlation (r=-0.240, P=0.146) (Table 4). However, changes in cardiorespiratory fitness and FMD, an indicator for endothelial cell function, had a statistically significant correlation (r=0.348, P=0.035) (Fig. 1).

Table 4.

Correlations between percent change of endothelial function, HbA1c, weight, and aerobic capacity

HbA1c, glycosylated hemoglobin; AT_VO₂, oxygen uptake at anaerobic threshold.

Fig. 1.

Correlations between percent change of uptake oxygen at anaerobic threshold (AT_VO₂) and percent change of flow-mediated dilation (FMD) (n=40).

DISCUSSION

Cardiorespiratory fitness improves through regular exercise, and the risk of cardiovascular disease is reduced [18]. Metabolic syndrome and cardiorespiratory fitness have a significant inverse relationship [19,20]. The decline in cardiorespiratory fitness is closely related to abdominal obesity [21,22], and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome that accompanies insulin resistance [23] and hypercholesterolemia [24] are factors that increase premature mortality from cardiovascular disease [25]. Gan et al. [26] conducted an experiment in which obese T2DM subjects performed aerobic exercise (55% to 70% VO2max, 40 minutes, 4 to 5 days per week), and increased their cardiorespiratory fitness. An et al. [27] reported that non-obese subjects with T2DM who walked at a moderate intensity (at anaerobic threshold) for 40 to 65 minutes, 5 times per week for 12 weeks, had significant increases in their cardiorespiratory fitness. In general, aerobic exercise is recommended for increasing cardiorespiratory fitness; however, some studies have shown that resistance exercise may also increase cardiorespiratory fitness [28]. In this study, the aerobic exercise group (moderate intensity walking, 5 times per week, for 60 minutes) showed significant improvements in oxygen uptake at the anaerobic ventilation threshold, and the resistance exercise group (40% to 50% 1RM, 10 to 15 exercises, using a resistance band, 3 sets, 5 days per week, for 60 minutes) showed an increasing trend, although it was not statistically significant, which is consistent with the results of previous studies.

Plasma volume in muscle increases during exercise and the nitric oxide produced in endothelial cells plays an important role in vasodilation. Leukocytes and monocytes prevent things from attaching to the blood vessel walls and interfering with the interaction between platelets and the blood vessel walls. The permeability of endothelial cells is then reduced, and the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells is blocked, causing a reduction in intensity from the blood vessels. Endothelial cell dysfunction accompanies aging, and as cardiovascular disease risk factors become accelerated and physical activity decreases, atherosclerosis is exacerbated. Aging is also accompanied by T2DM, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and endothelial cell dysfunction in obese subjects [29,30]. In this study, changes in endothelial cell function were seen as a result of aerobic and resistance exercise. In a 6-month study on obese T2DM subjects who performed aerobic exercise (50% to 70% HRR, 60 minutes/session, 2 times per week), Zoppini et al. [31] reported that vascular endothelial cell function improved. Hamdy et al. [7] performed a 6-month study on T2DM subjects with impaired glucose tolerance in which participants performed aerobic exercise (60% to 80% HRmax, 30 minutes, 3 times per week, or at least 150 minutes per week) and reported a significant improvement in endothelial cell function. The current study had a higher frequency of aerobic exercise per week than the study conducted by Zoppini et al., and the exercise periods and overall frequency were higher than in the study performed by Hamdy et al. Despite our short study period (12 weeks), the exercise programs appear to have had an effect on vascular endothelial cell function. When we examine studies where no change in endothelial cell function was observed, such as the 10-week aerobic exercise study performed by Ostergard et al. [12], we note that their study period was shorter than the current study, and that the exercise was less frequent. A study performed by Wycherley et al. [10] had the same duration and frequency of aerobic exercise as the current study, but also implemented dietary measures, resulting in an 8.8% weight loss; however, they reported that the endothelial cell function of the study subjects was too low, and the effectiveness of exercise was not attributed to improvements in FMD. Cohen et al. [6] conducted a resistance exercise study on obese T2DM subjects in which progressive resistance exercise (75% to 85% 1RM, 3 sets, 8 reps) was employed. No significant change in endothelial cell function was observed after 2 months; however, after 14 months they reported an improvement in endothelial cell function. The resistance exercises in the current study were performed for 12 weeks at a maximum intensity of 40% to 50% 1RM, and resulted in some improvement to endothelial cell function; however, we feel that the duration of the study was too short to yield statistically significant changes. Thus, due to the short duration of this exercise study, aerobic exercise was more effective than resistance exercise in improving endothelial cell function. In a short term exercise program, it appears that a higher frequency of exercise, less baseline damage to endothelial cell function, and a shorter duration of diabetes mellitus, all lead to improved effects on vascular endothelial function.

There is a significant inverse relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and metabolic syndrome [19,20,32]. Moderate physical activity alone can reduce the incidence of metabolic syndrome [33]. The mechanism that imparts the arterial elasticity that determines arterial conductivity, which increases cardiac output and, thus, affects skeletal muscle, is very important [34]. At rest, the amount of blood supplied to skeletal muscle is only 15% to 20% of total cardiac output. However, during exercise that induces nearly-maximum oxygen uptake, the skeletal muscle blood supply increases to 85% of total cardiac output. This is because the blood vessels that distribute blood to skeletal muscles play an important role in the regulation of the cardiovascular system during exercise [35]. In a 6-month study conducted by Hambrecht et al. [36], subjects with chronic heart failure performed aerobic exercise (70% HRmax, 40 minutes, 5 times per week). In their results, they reported that maximum oxygen uptake and vascular endothelial cell function improved significantly, and that changes in maximum oxygen uptake and vascular endothelial cell function were significantly correlated. In this study, we found that cardiorespiratory fitness and endothelial cell function were significantly correlated. If cardiorespiratory fitness improves through exercise, a positive effect on endothelial cell function can be seen. Weight loss reduces many of the risks of cardiovascular disease, and in obese subjects weight loss yields an improvement in endothelial cell function [37,38]. Blood glucose levels can induce the suppression of endothelial cell dependent vasodilation, and reportedly can cause atherosclerosis [39]. In this study, however, changes in body weight and glycated hemoglobin levels had no correlation with endothelial cell function.

This study was performed in a sample of T2DM subjects, and although it was shorter in duration than the study conducted by Hambrecht et al., the results were similar. We conclude that to improve endothelial cell function through exercise, aerobic exercise that improves cardiovascular fitness appears to be necessary.

There are some limitations of the present study. The effects of aerobic exercise and resistance exercise on endothelial cells may not be adequately elucidated in a study of older female diabetes patients, especially through a short 12 week study. We infer that the period of the study was too short to observe the full effects of aerobic and resistance exercise on endothelial cell function.

To yield an effect on endothelial cell function through exercise, the intensity and frequency of exercise are important, as is the duration of the exercise program. Future studies involving Korean T2DM subjects that are based on intensity of aerobic exercise might be needed, as are more follow-up studies regarding the effects of a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise.