Effects of Marching Exercise With Cognitive Training on Physical, Cognitive Function, and Autonomic Cardiovascular Responses in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

"A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial to Investigate the Effects of Marching Exercise Combined With Cognitive Training on Physical Performance, Cognitive Function, and Autonomic Cardiovascular Responses in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus"

This study aims to evaluate the effects of a combined marching exercise with cognitive training program on physical performance, cognitive function, and autonomic cardiovascular responses in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving marching exercise with cognitive tasks or a control group receiving usual care. Outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention period. The findings are expected to provide evidence for a feasible and safe exercise strategy to improve physical and cardiovascular health in older adults with type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is highly prevalent among older adults and is associated with declines in physical function, cognitive performance, and autonomic cardiovascular regulation. Reduced physical activity and impaired autonomic nervous system function may increase the risk of functional limitation, falls, and cardiovascular complications in this population. Exercise interventions that simultaneously challenge physical and cognitive domains may provide additional benefits beyond conventional exercise alone.

This single-blind, randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of a marching exercise program combined with cognitive training on physical function, cognitive performance, and autonomic cardiovascular responses in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Eligible participants aged 60 years and older will be recruited from the community and randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group.

The intervention group will participate in a structured marching exercise program integrated with cognitive tasks, conducted three times per week for eight weeks. The control group will receive usual care and standard health advice. Physical performance outcomes will include measures of mobility, balance, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Cognitive function will be assessed using standardized cognitive tasks. Autonomic cardiovascular responses will be evaluated using heart rate variability parameters.

Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline and after completion of the intervention. This study aims to provide clinical evidence supporting a practical and community-based dual-task exercise approach for improving physical, cognitive, and autonomic cardiovascular health in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male and female.
2. Aged between 60 and 79 years.
3. Medically diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
4. Peripheral neuropathy with a score of 7 or higher according to the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI).
5. Body Mass Index (BMI) within the normal range (between 18.5-24.5 kg/m²).
6. Able to follow instructions and willing to participate in the study.
7. Able to communicate with researchers and provide information independently (researchers will read the questions to the volunteers and allow them to choose their own answers).
8. Able to walk continuously for at least 10 meters without the use of walking aids.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Neurological disease (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury) that affects mobility, such as balance and gait.
2. Open wounds on the skin that affect weight-bearing while standing or walking. 1) Deformities or abnormalities of the extremities, or disabilities resulting from the loss of limbs that may affect the study.

2) Inflammation of joints and muscles, or musculoskeletal conditions with a pain score greater than 5 out of 10 on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), or any pain that affects the study.

3) A history of ankle, knee, or hip joint replacement within 6 months prior to participation in the study, or any residual effects from surgery that affect the study.

4) Hearing and vision impairments that cannot be corrected with hearing aids and glasses, etc.

5) Other complications that may affect the study, such as dizziness, angina pain, uncontrolled high blood pressure, acute illness, or injury, etc.