High Intensity Interval Training Improves Insulin Action
Author Information
Author(s): Babraj John A, Vollaard Niels BJ, Keast Cameron, Guppy Fergus M, Cottrell Greg, Timmons James A
Primary Institution: Translational Biomedicine, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University
Hypothesis
Can extremely low volume high-intensity interval training improve insulin action and glycemic control in young healthy males?
Conclusion
A high intensity exercise protocol involving only ~250 kcal of work each week can significantly improve insulin action in young sedentary individuals.
Supporting Evidence
- Insulin sensitivity improved by 23% after training.
- Plasma glucose area under the curve reduced by 12%.
- Plasma insulin area under the curve reduced by 37%.
- Fasting plasma NEFA concentrations showed a trend towards reduction post-training.
Takeaway
Doing short bursts of intense exercise can help your body use sugar better, even if you don't exercise a lot.
Methodology
Sixteen young men performed 2 weeks of supervised high-intensity interval training consisting of 15 minutes of exercise, with assessments of glucose, insulin, and NEFA responses before and after training.
Limitations
The study only measured whole body insulin sensitivity, which may not capture all relevant metabolic changes.
Participant Demographics
Young healthy sedentary males, mean age 21 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 21–126 s
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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