Understanding the Effects of Aquatic Exercise for People with Type 2 Diabetes
This study looked at how a five-week aquatic exercise program could help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood pressure and improve their overall health.
What Did the Study Find?
Participants joined either an exercise group or a control group. Both groups learned about diabetes management, but only the exercise group participated in aquatic exercises three times a week.
What Worked?
- Lower Blood Pressure: The exercise group showed significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure over the five weeks.
- Improved Breathing Capacity: There were improvements in breathing strength and peak airflow, which means better lung function.
- Increased Physical Capability: The 6-minute walk test showed that participants could walk further, indicating better fitness levels.
What Didn’t Work?
- When comparing the exercise group to the control group, there were no significant differences between them overall.
How Does This Help Patients and Clinics?
These findings suggest that aquatic exercise can effectively lower blood pressure and improve fitness for people with type 2 diabetes. While it didn’t show differences compared to a control group, the improvements in blood pressure and fitness are still positive outcomes for patients.
Opportunities for Hospitals and Doctors
- Start offering structured aquatic exercise programs as part of diabetes management.
- Educate patients on the benefits of aquatic exercise in improving blood pressure and overall fitness.
- Encourage group classes to build community support among patients.
What to Track in Clinics
Clinics should measure:
- Systolic and diastolic blood pressure before and after the program.
- Breathing capacity metrics: Maximum Inspiratory and Expiratory Pressure.
- Distance walked in the 6-minute walk test.
AI Tools to Consider
Clinics might explore AI tools for:
- Monitoring patient progress through health apps.
- Providing personalized exercise recommendations based on patient data.
Step-by-Step Plan for Clinics
- Start Small: Implement a pilot aquatic exercise program with a limited number of participants.
- Gather Feedback: Collect data on blood pressure and exercise tolerance from participants.
- Expand the Program: Use positive results to secure funding and expand the program for more patients.
- Continuously Educate: Keep updating staff and patients on the benefits and practices of aquatic exercise.
For more information on this study, you can read the full research here.
