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December 20, 2007
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NSPF® Grants Award to Study Benefits of Aquatic Exercise for Diabetics
The National Swimming Pool Foundation® has awarded a grant to explore the health benefits of aquatic exercise for people with Type 2 diabetes, which affects more than one in five Americans over the age of 60. The incidence of Type 2 diabetes has a strong genetic component and increases with age, excess weight, and inactivity.
Dr. Guy Hornsby, Ph.D., CDE, of the West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia, was awarded a $49,697 grant to study the psychological and health effects of water-based versus land-based exercise in Type 2 diabetic patients. Since most diabetics are obese, water exercise may reduce joint stress.
16 patients age 18-65 will take a year-long land-based fitness program, including treadmill walking, weight training, and stretching. Another 16 will take a water-based program, including deep-water running, strength training, and stretching. Both groups will be monitored for glucose and insulin levels, A1C, cholesterol, blood fats, body composition, fat loss, and muscle gain. They will also be asked their levels of enjoyment or dislike for each exercise. Dr. Hornsby expects the results to “point to water exercise as a positive modality for people afflicted with Type 2 diabetes.” For more information, contact Margaret Smith. |
