■■The study could have wider implications for elderly exercise
Older adults might struggle to accrue the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week "These are major issues for older
session was enough to produce improvements in blood glucose
people. As we lose physical function, we
control and general mobility.
start to become socially isolated, and as we become socially isolated our quality of
The results could be significant,
life declines significantly."
because as people age, they lose the
As a result of the study – titled
ability to take glucose out of their blood which in turn results in insulin resistance.
The Impact of Sprint Interval Training
This can lead to Type 2 Diabetes, and
Frequency on Blood Glucose Control
problems with the heart and liver.
and Physical Function of Older Adults
Dr John Babraj, who led the
– Dr Babraj is now calling for sIT to be introduced to physical activity guidelines.
study, said: "We’ve found that sIT,
"Currently, older adults are advised
whether it’s done once a week or
to participate in at least 150 minutes of
twice a week, improves the ability to get glucose out of the system. "While those participating in the twice-weekly sessions observed a greater
■■The study authors want sprint
moderate-intensity exercise each week,
interval training to be added to
and that can be difficult to accrue," he
physical activity guidelines
added. "Both groups produced greater
improvement, those taking part in the
adaptations than what we would expect
single session also observed change.
the smallest worthwhile change to be.
"Importantly, they also observed a
"Our results provide further support
difference in general function, greatly
for the inclusion of this form of training
improving their ability to do everyday
in the guidelines as one of the methods
tasks, such as walking up and down stairs.
to gain health benefits." ●
Issue 782
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