Acute Effect of Tai Chi Versus Moderate-Intensity Combined Exercise on Cardiovascular, Metabolic, and Cardiac Autonomic Control Parameters in Older Men and Women With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the elderly population is associated with compromised cardiovascular and metabolic functions, thereby necessitating the implementation of safe exercise interventions. This study employs a randomized, single-blind, crossover design will be conducted in Brazil to examine whether Tai Chi, a low-impact mind-body exercise, offers acute benefits comparable to those of moderate-intensity combined exercise (MICE) in 24 older adults (≥65 years) diagnosed with T2DM, consisting of 12 men and 12 women. Participants recruited through community advertisements and screened to ensure inactivity, stable medication usage, and the absence of significant comorbidities will undergo randomized sessions of Tai Chi, MICE, and a control (CON) intervention. Evaluations will include capillary blood glucose (the primary outcome), blood pressure, heart rate variability, arterial stiffness (PWVcf), and endothelial function (FMD) measured before, immediately after, and 45minute post-intervention, along with 24-hour ambulatory monitoring. Standardized protocols will be employed to regulate physical activity. By juxtaposing these interventions, the study seeks to ascertain if Tai Chi could serve as a feasible alternative for enhancing acute metabolic and cardiovascular responses in older diabetic adults, thus providing practical insights for clinical and lifestyle management.