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Updated: Feb 28, 2026
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Short Session High Intensity Interval Training and Treadmill Assessment in Aged Mice
Published on: February 2, 2019
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High Intensity Interval Training Improves Physical Performance and Frailty in Aged Mice.
Kenneth Ladd Seldeen1, Ginger Lasky1, Merced Marie Leiker1
1Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo and Research Service, Veterans Affairs Western New York Healthcare System.
Summary
High intensity interval training (HIIT) significantly improved strength, endurance, and reduced frailty in aged mice. This exercise regimen offers a time-efficient approach to combat age-related decline and enhance physical function in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Sarcopenia and frailty are common in aging, leading to disability and loss of independence.
- High intensity interval training (HIIT) offers potential benefits for strength and endurance with reduced time commitment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a 16-week high intensity interval training (HIIT) program on physical performance and frailty in aged mice.
Main Methods:
- 24-month-old C57BL/6J mice underwent 16 weeks of treadmill HIIT (3x/week).
- Assessments included body composition, physical performance (grip strength, endurance, gait speed), and frailty scoring.
- Muscle analysis focused on mass, fiber size, and mitochondrial biomass.
Main Results:
- HIIT mice showed significant improvements in grip strength (10.9%), endurance (32.6%), and gait speed (107.0%).
- Muscle adaptations included greater mass, larger fiber size, and increased mitochondrial biomass.
- Frailty scores decreased significantly, with 4 out of 6 frail/prefrail mice becoming nonfrail.
Conclusions:
- Uphill treadmill HIIT is well-tolerated by aged mice.
- HIIT effectively enhances physical performance, improves muscle physiology, and reduces frailty in older individuals.
- HIIT presents a viable exercise strategy for mitigating age-related functional decline.
