Six seconds of exercise 'can transform health'

[maureenho]

27 July 2014 Last updated at 00:46

Six seconds of exercise 'can transform health'

By James Gallagher Health editor, BBC News website



Short six-second bursts of vigorous exercise have the potential to transform the health of elderly people, say researchers in Scotland.

A pilot study involving 12 pensioners showed going all-out in very short bursts, reduced blood pressure and improved general fitness over time.

The team at Abertay University believe it could help avert the "astronomical" costs of ill health in elderly people.

Experts said the study emphasised the benefits of exercise at any age.

High Intensity Training (HIT) has attracted a lot of attention for promising some of the same benefits as conventional exercise but in a much shorter time.

Instead of a comfortable half-hour jog or a few miles on the bike, HIT involves pushing yourself to your limits for a short period of time.

The team in Scotland say they were conducting the first trials in older people.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-28400968

[annie]

That is interesting, but it was a very small study

[JaneJ]

Very interesting. I could manage 6 seconds a day!!!

[Rosalind]

That is good news, most pensioners could do 6 seconds a day.