Light-intensity PA was found to be beneficially associated with obesity , markers of lipid and glucose metabolism , and mortality .
Conclusions Observational evidence that light-intensity PA can confer health benefits is accumulating .
Background The health effects of light-intensity physical activity ( PA ) are not well known today .
Objective We conducted a systematic review to assess the association of accelerometer-measured light-intensity PA with modifiable health outcomes in adults and older adults .
Effect of the volume and intensity of exercise training on insulin sensitivity.
Physical activity enhances insulin action in obese/overweight individuals . However , the exercise prescription required for the optimal enhancement is not known . The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that exercise training consisting of vigorous-intensity activity would enhance insulin sensitivity more substantially than moderate-intensity activity . Sedentary , overweight/obese subjects ( n = 154 ) were r and omly assigned to either control or an exercise group for 6 mo : 1 ) low-volume/moderate-intensity group [ approximately 12 miles walking/wk at 40 - 55 % peak O2 consumption ( Vo2 peak ) ] , 2 ) low-volume/high-intensity group ( approximately 12 miles jogging/wk at 65 - 80 % Vo2 peak ) , and 3 ) high-volume/high-intensity group ( approximately 20 miles jogging/wk at 65 - 80 % Vo2 peak ) . Training volume ( miles/wk ) was achieved by exercising approximately 115 min/wk ( low-volume/high-intensity group ) or approximately 170 min/wk ( low-volume/moderate-intensity and high-volume/high-intensity groups ) . Insulin action was measured with an insulin sensitivity index ( SI ) from an intravenous glucose tolerance test . In the control group , there was a decrement ( P < 0.05 ) in SI . In contrast , all the exercise groups significantly ( P < 0.05 ) increased SI ; the relative increment in the low-volume/moderate-intensity and high-volume/high-intensity groups ( approximately 85 % ) were greater than in the low-volume/high-intensity group ( approximately 40 % ) . In conclusion , physical activity encompassing a wide range of intensity and volume minimizes the insulin resistance that develops with a sedentary lifestyle . However , an exercise prescription that incorporated approximately 170 min of exercise/wk improved insulin sensitivity more substantially than a program utilizing approximately 115 min of exercise/wk , regardless of exercise intensity and volume . Total exercise duration should thus be considered when design ing training programs with the intent of improving insulin action
Light-intensity PA was found to be beneficially associated with obesity , markers of lipid and glucose metabolism , and mortality .
Conclusions Observational evidence that light-intensity PA can confer health benefits is accumulating .
Background The health effects of light-intensity physical activity ( PA ) are not well known today .
Objective We conducted a systematic review to assess the association of accelerometer-measured light-intensity PA with modifiable health outcomes in adults and older adults .