High-Intensity Interval Training Versus Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training for Improving Physical Health in Elderly Women.

In elderly women, a lack of regular physical exercise may result in faster decreases in general health and functional performance. Although high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) have been effectively applied in young and clinical groups, there is no evidence to support their use in elderly women to achieve health benefits. Thus, the major goal of this study was to investigate how HIIT affected health-related outcomes in elderly women. Twenty-four inactive elderly women agreed to participate in the 16-week HIIT and MICT intervention. Body composition, insulin resistance, blood lipids, functional capacity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and quality of life were all measured before and after the intervention. The number of differences between groups was determined using Cohen's effect sizes, and the pre-post intra-group changes were compared using paired t-tests. Using 2 × 2 ANOVA, the time × group interaction effects between HIIT and MICT were evaluated. Body fat percentage, sagittal abdominal diameter, waist circumference, and hip circumference all were improved significantly in the 2 groups. HIIT substantially improved fasting plasma glucose and cardiorespiratory fitness as compared to the MICT. HIIT improved the lipid profile and functional ability more significantly compared to the MICT group. These findings show that HIIT is a useful exercise for improving elderly women's physical health.

Effects of An Isotonic Medinilla Speciosa During and After Exercise.

Maintaining an adequate fluid balance is crucial during extended physical activity. It is currently unknown how drinking an isotonic medinilla speciosa beverage affects the autonomic regulation of heart function during and after exercise. The purpose of this study is to examine how drinking isotonic beverages affects heart rate variability (HRV) during and after intense exercise. A maximal exercise test to assess protocol loading, a control group, and an experimental group were all carried out by twenty-one young man (19.3 ± 1.2 years) over the course of three distinct protocols, with a 48-hour break in between each stage. The protocol called for 10 minutes of rest with the subject lying down, 90 minutes of treadmill work at 70% of one's maximum oxygen uptake, and 60 minutes of rest in the dorsal decubitus position. In the control group, no rehydration beverages could be consumed. No matter the level of hydration, alterations in the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) were seen, showing an increase in the former and a reduction in the latter. Hydration with isotonic solutions during recovery causes considerable alterations in cardiac autonomic regulation, hastening the recovery of the linear HRV index. Exercise-induced HRV was not significantly impacted by isotonic hydration, however it does speed up the recovery of linear indices after exercise.

Effects of flexi bar training model to health-related physical fitness in overweight adults.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of flexi bar training model and moderate running exercise on health-related physical fitness in overweight adults. [Participants and Methods] Forty participants were randomly assigned to an experimental (20 participant performing flexi bar training model (FBT)) and control (20 participant performing moderate running exercise (MRE) group. The participant in both groups then underwent program training 50 min/day, 3 times a week, for 12 weeks. The main outcome measures were health related physical fitness (HRPF). [Results] The result showed significant differences between FBT and MRE group. After 12 weeks FBT showed improve HRPF variable. [Conclusion] flexi bar training model can improvement health related physical fitness in overweight adults.

Effect of endurance exercise on resting testosterone levels in sedentary subjects.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of moderate-intensity and low frequency exercise on resting serum testosterone and cortisol levels, resting heart rate, and isokinetic strength among healthy sedentary young men. DESIGN: A randomized controlled study. Forty sedentary young men aged 18 to 25 years old, pedaled 50 minutes on a bicycle ergometry at 60% of maximal effort once a week for 12 weeks in an exercise group. OUTCOME MEASURES: Resting total and free serum testosterone, serum cortisol, anthropometric data, resting heart rate, and isokinetic strength during shoulder and knee extensions. RESULTS: Resting serum total and free testosterone, as well as cortisol did not differ significantly between groups. Neither group showed any significant changes in anthropometric data and isokinetic strength at the end of study. However, the resting heart rate of the exercise group reduced significantly after the training (p < 0.05). Also, the isokinetic strength of shoulder and knee significantly increased (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Twelve weeks of moderate-intensity and low frequency training had no effect on resting serum testosterone, but were sufficient to increase aerobic fitness among sedentary young men. The type of exercise training may encourage sedentary individuals to participate regularly in the program on physical activity.

Effect of once a week endurance exercise on fitness status in sedentary subjects.

OBJECTIVE: To study whether 3-months aerobic exercise training at moderate intensity once a week can increase fitness status in healthy sedentary young men. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Randomized controlled study was performed in 37 sedentary young men, 18 to 25 years old. The exercise group (19) was assigned to work on bicycle ergometry at 60% of maximal effort, once a week for 12 weeks. The control group (18) lived a normal life style. Before and after training, aerobic fitness (VO2(max)), resting heart rate, lipid profile, and isokinetic power and strength of shoulder and knee were evaluated. RESULTS: In the exercise group, there was a significant increase in most fitness parameters compared with control, VO2(max) (19.7%), isokinetic power and strength of shoulder and knee (14.9%), and resting heart rate decreased (7.4%). CONCLUSION: Moderate-intensity training once a week for at least 12 weeks was sufficient to increase aerobic fitness in sedentary young men. This low frequency of exercise training may be used to encourage sedentary individuals for more compliance with physical activity.