The effects of high-intensity interval training on oxidant and antioxidant balance and motor performance indices in older adults

Increased free radicals and oxidative stress are among the factors that can accelerate the aging process. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of eight weeks of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on oxidant and antioxidant capacity and motor performance indices in the elderly people.

The participants of this study were 24 elderly people (age=71.88±5.06 year) from Bandar Abbas city. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups including control (n=12) and HIIT (n=12). Then, the subjects in the training group performed training protocol, three days a week for eight weeks. During each session, the subjects performed four three-minute workouts with an intensity of 85 to 95% maximal heart rate with three active sets of three-minute rest with 65 to 75 maximal heart rate. Twenty four hours before and 48 hours after last session of HIIT, the variables were measured via standard tests. The analysis of covariance test was used to analyze the data at significant level of p≤0.05.  

Eight weeks of HIIT significantly reduced the total oxidant status, but the total antioxidant capacity and serum levels of sestrin-2 showed significant increase (p<0.001) in the elderly people. Moreover, eight weeks of HIIT improved the gait speed (p<0.001), timed-up-and-go (p<0.05), and maximal oxygen uptake (p<0.001). However, these training protocol could not have a significant effect on time of chair stand test (p=0.22).

HIIT can be use as a useful exercise training method in the elderly people with attention of  training considerations.