ABSTRACT
Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of upper and lower body activities on fat and carbohydrate oxidation in the elderly
Materials and Methods: Nine elderly men [age, 66.1+/-3.91y; body mass index, 25.09+/-2 kg/m[2]] participated voluntarily in this study. After determining the upper and lower body VO[2]max, subjects performed two interval exercise trials with one week interval. Interval exercise included 4 stages of 5-min activity respectively, at an intensity of 55, 60, 65, and 70% VO[2]max on hand ergometer and bicycle ergometer. Each stage was followed by 2.5 min of activity performed at 25, 30, 35, and 40% VO[2]max. Respiratory gases were collected before exercise at the 1[st] 10-min, 2[nd] 10-min, 3[rd] 10-min and 30-min recovery and used to calculate fat and carbohydrate oxidation
Results: Changes in fat oxidation during interval exercise with cycle ergometer was significantly [P<0.05] higher than arm-cranking. However, changes in carbohydrate oxidation during interval exercise with cycle ergometer and arm-cranking were significantly [P=0.009] different. Post-hoc analysis showed that carbohydrate oxidation during 30-min recovery was higher in the cycle ergometer trial than arm-cranking
Conclusion: Based on findings, there is more increase in fat and carbohydrate oxidation during lower body interval exercise in elderly individuals, compared to upper body exercise, and this type of exercise is recommended for better fat oxidation