Physiological responses to intermittent and continuous exercise at the same relative intensity in older men

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Gerontology
• Cardiovascular Health

Background:

• Older adults often experience physiological limitations impacting exercise tolerance.
• Understanding exercise responses in older men is crucial for promoting healthy aging.
• Continuous exercise (CEx) and intermittent exercise (IEx) elicit different physiological demands.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the physiological responses of older men to continuous versus intermittent exercise.
• To investigate the effects of varying exercise-to-rest ratios during IEx.
• To determine if IEx reduces physiological strain compared to CEx in older males.

Main Methods:

• Nine older men (mean age 70.4 years) performed 8 exercise tests on a cycle ergometer.
• Tests included CEx and IEx (60sE:60sR, 30sE:30sR, 15sE:15sR) at 50% and 70% VO(2peak).
• Oxygen uptake, ventilation, heart rate, and blood gases (pH, PCO(2)) were measured.

Main Results:

• At both 50% and 70% VO(2peak), IEx resulted in significantly lower oxygen uptake, ventilation, and heart rate than CEx.
• No significant differences in physiological measures were found between different IEx rest intervals.
• CEx at 70% VO(2peak) decreased blood pH and PCO(2); IEx only decreased pH during 60sE:60sR.

Conclusions:

• Intermittent exercise elicits a lower physiological burden than continuous exercise in older men when matched for intensity and work volume.
• IEx may offer a more manageable exercise alternative for older adults.
• Further research could explore optimal IEx protocols for cardiovascular benefits in aging populations.