A new model of short acceleration-based training improves exercise performance in old mice

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Exercise Physiology
• Metabolic Research

Background:

• Identifying effective and appealing exercise strategies for the elderly is crucial for maintaining health and function.
• Traditional endurance training programs can be time-consuming and may not be suitable for all older adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate whether a less time-consuming, acceleration-based exercise training program could enhance exercise performance and physiological parameters in aged mice.
• To compare the effects of short-session acceleration training with long-session endurance training.

Main Methods:

• A mouse model was used, comparing three groups: acceleration-based training (5 sessions over 2 weeks), endurance training (5 sessions/week for 4 weeks), and a control group.
• Exercise performance (maximum running speed, time to exhaustion), skeletal muscle enzyme activities (citrate synthase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase), mitochondrial respiration, and urine metabolomic profiles were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Acceleration-based training significantly improved maximum running speed and time to exhaustion in older mice.
• The acceleration group exhibited superior running speed compared to both endurance and control groups.
• Key enzyme activities related to energy metabolism were elevated in the acceleration group, alongside enhanced mitochondrial respiratory activity and favorable changes in urine metabolite concentrations (increased taurine, decreased branched-chain amino acids).

Conclusions:

• Acceleration-based training is an efficient method for improving exercise performance in older mice.
• This training modality enhances both aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, potentially improving antioxidant defenses and muscle protein balance.
• Short-session, high-intensity interval training may represent a more appealing and effective exercise strategy for the elderly.