Abstract
Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare response; specifically oxygen consumption; of a single bout of exercise using two different (constant and interval) intensity protocols in an aged population. Design: Ten males (68.8 ± 3.7 years) and six females (66.2 ± 3.5 years) were recruited for this study. All participants were actively involved in three hours of physical activity per week and were able to use a cycle ergometer unaided. Methods: Participants completed two randomised 20 min exercise protocols on a cycle ergometer, each with equal work output. The constant intensity session was at 50% of Vo2max, and the 1 min interval session varied from 70% to 30% Vo2max. Oxygen consumption was measured during the following phases; resting, warm-up, exercise, cooldown and 20 mins post-exercise. Results: Similar values were found when comparing the overall oxygen consumption for the constant and interval protocols respectively. However, significant differences (p<0.05) were found between the two different intensities during the exercise phase. Conclusions: The interval training protocol consumed higher levels of oxygen during the exercise phase when compared to the constant intensity protocol, despite the participants reporting similar RPE. These age-specific differences should be considered for future exercise prescription for this at-risk population.
Highlights
Regular physical activity has been linked to reductions in the risk factors for chronic disease and disability [1]
Total oxygen consumption and heart rate, broken up into the five phases, for both protocols are shown in table 1
Mean values for oxygen consumption were found to be similar between the two protocols for all subjects
Summary
Regular physical activity has been linked to reductions in the risk factors for chronic disease and disability [1]. The three intermittent training protocols, at both 50% and at 70% Vo2Peak, showed significantly lower heart rate, minute ventilation and Vo2 when compared to a similar amount of work done within the constant load protocols. There is little literature which examines the differences in total oxygen consumption during exercise between constant load and interval training in the elderly (65 years and older). This lack of knowledge for what is an important aspect of exercise, in such a crucial population as the elderly, has left many questions unanswered, especially in regards to exercise efficiency and the short-term physiological responses of exercise[14]. Regular activity is known to reduce the risk factors of chronic disease and disability, and the aging process is known to correlate with a reduction in physical activity, further reinforcing the need for exercise protocols for the elderly that are efficient and beneficial
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