Today’s Video of the Day from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology describes how high intensity exercise improves the health and lifespan of older adults. 

A team of researchers at NTNU conducted a five-year study that was focused on more than 1,500 volunteers between the ages of 70 and 79. 

The participants were divided into three groups who engaged in two weekly sessions of either: high intensity interval training (HIIT), moderate intensity continuous training (MICT), or following the Norwegian guidelines for physical activity.

“All cause mortality did not differ between the combined high and moderate intensity exercise group and the group following recommended physical activity guidelines,” wrote the study authors. They did find, however, that high intensity exercise led to the greatest overall health benefits. 

“The findings suggest that future guidelines for physical activity, at least for older adults, should be more specific in requiring that at least part of the physical activity should be performed at high intensity.”

Video Credit: Norwegian University of Science and Technology Cardiac Exercise Research Group

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By Chrissy Sexton, Earth.com Staff Writer