Cardiometabolic health in patients with chronic diseases: The impact of exercise

Authors

  • Apostolos Spassis Democritus University of Thrace
  • Konstantinos Volaklis Democritus University of Thrace
  • Styliani Karakyriou Democritus University of Thrace
  • Konstantina Kosmidou Democritus University of Thrace
  • Ilias Smilios Democritus University of Thrace
  • Helen Douda Democritus University of Thrace
  • Savvas Tokmakidis Democritus University of Thrace

Keywords:

combined training, detraining, retraining, chronic disease

Abstract

Τhis summary presents part of the research activity carried out over time in the Laboratory Section of Clinical Exercise Physiology and Physiology of Exercise and focuses on the study of: (a) the adaptations caused by the implementation of specific exercise programs in the elderly as well as in patients with coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis, b) the negative effects of detraining on these populations as well as c) the positive effects that resuming exercise (retraining) can potentially have on patients with chronic diseases. It was found that the implementation of a specific water exercise program combining both strength and aerobic exercise significantly improved exercise tolerance and muscle strength, adaptations that regressed after the cessation of exercise. However, the resumption of training for 4 months further expanded the observed adaptations. Furthermore, significant improvements in glycemic control, glucose tolerance and insulin action were observed after a combined strength and aerobic exercise program in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes. Positive adaptations were also observed after the application of specific exercise programs (combined and mechanical vibration programs) in the bone density of the lumbar spine of postmenopausal women, while significant adaptations in body composition of elderly women were also observed for each year of training during a follow-up period of 5 years (despite a temporary weakening during the summer interruption period). In conclusion, the implementation of combined strength and aerobic exercise programs in patients with chronic diseases induces significant physiological adaptations, while the cessation of systematic exercise even for a period of several weeks leads to a significant deterioration of physical function and should be avoided.

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Published

2025-06-17

How to Cite

Σπάσης Α., Βόλακλης Κ., Καρακύριου Σ., Κοσμίδου Κ., Σμήλιος Η., Δούδα Ε., & Τοκμακίδης Σ. (2025). Cardiometabolic health in patients with chronic diseases: The impact of exercise. Exercise and Society, 1, 492–513. Retrieved from https://ojs.staff.duth.gr/index.php/ExSoc/article/view/570

Issue

Section

PART III: SCIENTIFIC SELECTIONS BY THE FACULTY MEMBERS OF THE D.P.E.S.S.–D.U.ThH