The Effect of Concurrent Training on Some Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Serum Estradiol and Physical Fitness Indicators in Overweight Women With Type 2 Diabetes

Considering that diabetic patients have low physical fitness and are prone to cardiovascular diseases, there is a need to conduct studies for the prevention and treatment of these diseases. The present study investigates the effect of concurrent training (CT) on some cardiovascular risk factors, serum estradiol, and physical fitness indicators in overweight women with type 2 diabetes. 

The research method was quasi-experimental with a pre-test and post-test design. A total of 30 women with type 2 diabetes were randomly divided into CT and control (CON) groups. Concurrent training was performed for 8 weeks and 3 sessions per week. The CT program included resistance training with elastic bands, running with an intensity of 70%-85% of the maximum heart rate, and skipping rope training with 40-45 jumps per minute. Forty-eight hours before and after the intervention, blood samples were collected from all participants in a fasting state to evaluate serum glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol levels, and estradiol. The VO2 max and upper body and lower body strength indicators were also assessed in all participants. The data was analyzed using the statistical method of ANOVA with repeated measures. 

The results showed a significant increase in VO2 max, serum estradiol, upper and lower body muscle strength, and a significant decrease in serum triglyceride and glucose in the CT group compared to the CON group (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed in low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein ratio and total cholesterol (P>0.05). 

Eight weeks of concurrent training can improve physical fitness indicators and some cardiovascular risk factors in overweight women with type 2 diabetes.