Background: Aerobic exercise has been identified as a specific and the main strategy in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes. However, some of diabetic patients have difficulties doing such exercise. Recently, the use of whole body vibration exercise has been recommended as a passive method for these patients. The main objective of the present study was to compare the effects of aerobic exercise and whole body vibration on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes men. Materials and methods: Thirty male diabetic patients were selected and randomly assigned in three groups each of ten persons: aerobic exercise, whole body vibration exercise and control group. Aerobic exercise program included three sessions of 30-60 minute walking weekly, with saved 60-70 percent of maximal heart rate. Whole body vibration exercise included 8-12 minute exercise sessions in standup position and semi squat positions, with 30 Hz frequency and amplitude of 2 mm, three times a week. No intervention was implemented for the subjects in the control group. Fasting concentrations of fasting blood sugar, insulin and plasma adiponectin were measured at the beginning, and after the 4th and 8th weeks of the study. The obtained data were analyzed by two-way analyses of variance with repeated measurements, with time and group as independent variables. Results: After 8 weeks of training, plasma adiponectin and insulin resistance did not change significantly in any of the groups (P>0.05). While there were significant changes within each exercise group (P<0.05), no significant difference was observed between the effects of aerobic exercise and whole body vibration on the above-mentioned two variables (P>0.05). Conclusion: The findings indicated the same effects of the two training methods. The stimulation of metabolic system by whole body vibration was the same as aerobic exercise. Therefore, it may be recommended that the type 2 diabetics who, for any reason, are not able to perform aerobic exercise can enjoy the benefits of vibration exercises.
