Background: Physical activity is generally accepted as a part of the nonpharmacological therapy of the insulin resistance. Endurance training is generally recommended as an appropriate approach. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of three-month dynamic strength training on the insulin sensitivity in middle-aged men with insulin resistance.
Methods and results: 10 men (5 obese non diabetics and 5 overweight patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (age 51.36+/-7.25 years, average weight 110.16+/-13.56 kg and BMI 33.22+/-3.52 kg/m2 underwent a three-month dynamic strength training at the level of 60 to 70 % of their maximum muscle strength (one-repetition maximum 1-RM). Insulin sensitivity was determined using the hyperinsulinic euglycemic clamp before and after the training period. Training promoted to increase the muscle strength (p<0.001). It did not induce changes in body weight, body composition and maximum aerobic capacity. The training induced an increase in insulin sensitivity (glucose disposal M: 3.0 vs 4.0 M - mg/min/kg, p<0,01).
Conclusions: Dynamic strength training improves insulin sensitivity in men with insulin resistance independently on weight loss or increase in aerobic capacity. Our results suggest that the dynamic strength training is an appropriate physical activity for management of the insulin resistance.