L'attività motoria acquatica come nuovo approccio terapico alla cardio-diabetologia

The role of general physical activity on improving cardiometabolic profile and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes is widely demonstrated. However, little is known about the effects of specific water exercise program in patients with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, the aims of this pilot study were to evaluated the effects of a supervised water training program in subjects affected by type 2 diabetes. Methods: eighteen men affected by type 2 diabetes (51,4±9,38 years), were enrolled in a program of 12 weeks of supervised water training. We assess Cardiometabolic Profile (echocardiography, glycemic, lipidemic and anthropometric profille, blood pressure levels and cardiopulmonary exercise test), and Quality of Life and Physical Activity Levels (Short-form Health Survey 36 with items (SF-36), Problem Areas in Diabetes Questionnaire (PAID) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)) before and after 12-weeks of a supervised water exercise program. Results: The results showed a significant improvement of cardiovascular and metabolic assessments (aerobic capacity, work, blood pressure, glycemic, anthropometric and lipidemic profile, and diastolic function) and an increasing in quality of life and physical activity levels (Sf-36, PAID, energy expenditure in general physical activity). Discussion: Our findings showed that structured and supervised physical activity performed in water, produced benefits both in improving of the cardiometabolic profile and the HRQoL and also in increasing of the physical activity levels in subjects affected by type 2 diabetes.