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Brief physical inactivity prolongs colonic transit time in elderly active men
1Research Center of Health, Physical Fitness and Sports, Nagoya University, Japan.
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|November 1, 1993
Summary
Reduced physical activity significantly slows colonic transit time in healthy elderly individuals. Even short periods of inactivity can impact gastrointestinal function, highlighting the importance of regular exercise for older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Gastroenterology
- Physiology
Background:
- Elderly individuals often experience changes in physical activity levels.
- Regular exercise is known to influence physiological functions, including digestion.
- The impact of reduced activity on gastrointestinal transit in active seniors is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of a two-week period of reduced physical activity on gastrointestinal transit time.
- To assess changes in mouth-to-cecum and colonic transit times in healthy, active elderly subjects.
Main Methods:
- Nine healthy elderly subjects with a history of regular exercise participated.
- Physical inactivity was enforced for two weeks.
- Mouth-to-cecum transit time was measured using the breath hydrogen method.
- Total and segmental colonic transit times were assessed via radiopaque markers.
Main Results:
- Mouth-to-cecum transit time remained unchanged.
- Mean total colonic transit time significantly increased from 10.9 to 19.5 hours (p < 0.01).
- Slower transit was observed in the right and left colon segments, but not the rectosigmoid.
Conclusions:
- A short period of physical inactivity significantly prolongs colonic transit time in previously active elderly individuals.
- Reduced physical activity negatively impacts colonic motility in older adults.
- Maintaining regular exercise is crucial for preserving gastrointestinal function in the elderly.