Short periods of high-intensity exercise have been found to benefit cardiovascular health as much as longer, traditional physical activity, according to a new report.
A study conducted at McMaster University in Canada revealed that brief, intense forms of exercise such as sprints can improve the function and structure of blood vessels and arteries with the same effect as long-duration moderate exercise.
The findings indicated that 30-second sprints three days a week for six weeks improves artery health just as much as 40-60 minutes of moderate-intensity cycling five days per week.
"As we age, the arteries become stiffer and tend to lose their ability to dilate, and these effects contribute to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease," Maureen MacDonald, an associate professor in the department of Kinesiology, explained.
"More detrimental is the effect that blood vessel stiffening has on the heart, which has to circulate blood."
She added that anti-aging physicians and health professionals are increasingly recommending interval training for rehabilitation patients recovering from conditions including chronic obstructive pulmonary, peripheral artery and cardiovascular disease.
