PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether rowing exercise is an appropriate type of exercise to prevent insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus in elderly men. METHODS: Blood samples were taken from older men who regularly performed either walking (n=10) or rowing exercise (n=7). Blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and serum insulin concentrations were measured as a marker of glucose metabolism. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in glucose, hemoglobin A1c, insulin concentration, and HOMA index between walking and rowing groups. Higher significant correlations were observed between fat mass and insulin concentration and HOMA index (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: These results may indicate that rowing exercise is a valuable tool to prevent insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus in elderly men as effective as walking exercise, and that insulin resistance is closely associated with adiposity in elderly men.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.26/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE