Exercise has proven to be beneficial for adults in general, improving and also helping to prevent a variety of health conditions. In a new study, released in the BMJ, it was determined that high-intensity training could be even more beneficial for older adults than previously known.
For the study, conducted by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, researchers evaluated the effect of exercise training after a span of five years among older adults between the age of 70 and 77.
“Participants were randomised to two sessions weekly of high intensity interval training at about 90% of peak heart rate, moderate intensity continuous training at about 70% of peak heart rate, or to follow the national guidelines for physical activity; all for five years,” the findings stated.
According to the results, high-intensity exercise led to a much higher increase in survival rate among older adults, highlighting the importance of fitness for a better quality of life.
“Compared with the Norwegian recommended guidelines for physical activity, supervised exercise (HIIT and MICT combined) showed no effect on all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease events, or cancer events in older adults,” the findings also stated.
“Our data do, however, suggest that HIIT lowers the risk of premature death compared with recommended guidelines and MICT.”
