After 12 weeks of observation, the two workout groups showed a 20 percent increase in cardiopulmonary function, with an improved insulin sensitivity index, which indicates the level of susceptibility to diabetes. (image: KobizMedia/ Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, June 8 (Korea Bizwire) – No more “I don’t have time” excuses.
According to the Asahi Shimbun, a Japanese newspaper, a research team from a Canadian university recently discovered that a single minute of vigorous exercise has almost the equivalent effect when it comes to preventing diabetes and improving cardiopulmonary functions as 46 minutes of moderate exercise. The research findings were published in the latest online edition of PLOS One, an international academic journal.
The team experimented with 25 men (average age of 27) that did not exercise regularly to find the most effective exercise routine for chronic illnesses such as diabetes. The men were randomly divided into three groups: a vigorous workout group; a steady workout group; and a no workout group.
The vigorous workout group did three 20-second reps of cycling at maximum effort, with 2-minute light pedaling in between. Including warm-ups and cool-downs, the group spent a total of 10 minutes for each workout.
The steady workout group cycled for 45 minutes at 70 percent of their maximum heart rate. Including warm-ups, they spent a total of 50 minutes.
After 12 weeks of observation, the two workout groups showed a 20 percent increase in cardiopulmonary function, with an improved insulin sensitivity index, which indicates the level of susceptibility to diabetes. Members of the ‘no workout’ group did not see any health changes.
“Many people point to a lack of time as an excuse for skipping exercise,” said the team. “And although a one-minute vigorous workout may not be appropriate for everybody, it certainly has a potential health benefits with greater efficiency.”
By Joseph Shin (jss539@koreabizwire.com)
