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Effect of a 6-week strength-training program on neuromuscular efficiency in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

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Abstract

Background

The neuromuscular system generates human movement. The functional capacity of the neuromuscular system in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is decreased and this affects the generation of muscle force. Exercise is recommended as an effective treatment in such cases. Short-duration strength training causes neural adaptations in healthy participants, but the effects of strength training on T2DM are unclear. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of strength training on neuromuscular efficiency of lower limb muscles in T2DM.

Methods

Surface electromyograms (SEMG) of the knee flexors and extensors were recorded during isometric contractions. The ratio of peak torque to SEMG amplitude was calculated as neuromuscular efficiency. Measurements were taken before the intervention after 6 weeks of non-training, and after 6 weeks of strength training.

Results

SEMG amplitudes did not differ among the subsequent measurement sessions. Flexor and extensor peak torque increased after the strength-training program. The neuromuscular efficiency of all muscles increased after the 6 weeks of strength training.

Conclusion

A 6-week strength-training program increased the neuromuscular efficiency and peak torque in patients with T2DM; however, the electrical properties of the muscles did not change. These results may be related to increased neural adaptations and motor learning in the early stages of strength training.

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Acknowledgements

This study was a residency thesis and was supported by Tarbiat Modares University. The authors would like to thanks the subjects for their participation in this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medical Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran

    Samira Shahrjerdi & Farid Bahrpeyma

  2. Department of Nutrition and Movement Science, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands

    Hans H. C. M. Savelberg

  3. Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

    Mohammad Reza Mohajeri-Tehrani

Authors
  1. Samira Shahrjerdi
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  2. Farid Bahrpeyma
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  3. Hans H. C. M. Savelberg
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Correspondence to Farid Bahrpeyma.

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Shahrjerdi, S., Bahrpeyma, F., Savelberg, H.H.C.M. et al. Effect of a 6-week strength-training program on neuromuscular efficiency in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Diabetol Int 11, 376–382 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13340-020-00432-y

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