Abstract
The chronic effects of resistance exercise training (RET) on femoral blood flow are poorly studied, particularly in the older type 2 diabetic population. In this study, we recruited individuals with type 2 diabetes aged 60 to 85 for participation in a 12-week progressive RET program. Exercise sessions were supervised and occurred 3 times per week. Femoral blood flow was measured using Doppler ultrasonography at two time points: before RET initiation and 72–96 hours after the last RET bout. At each time point, femoral blood flow was measured at rest and after the administration of a 6.8g bolus of essential amino acids. Changes in femoral blood flow were calculated as percent change from baseline. Our preliminary results indicate that progressive RET significantly increases resting femoral blood flow by 51.3% (P=.0002). The administration of the essential amino acid bolus was associated with a 17.3% decrease prior to RET program initiation. After completion of the RET program, this improved to a 48.4% increase in femoral blood flow in response to essential amino acid administration. These preliminary results suggest that, in an older population with type 2 diabetes, progressive RET is an effective method for improving resting blood flow and vasodilation in response to nutrition. Supported by: NIH/NIA R01AG049611, NIH/NIA F30AG058381, NIH/NIA P30AG024832, CTSA UL1TR000071