Exercise training improves sleep pattern and metabolic profile in elderly people in a time-dependent manner
2011

Exercise Training Improves Sleep and Metabolism in Elderly

Sample size: 14 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Fábio S. Lira, Gustavo D. Pimentel, Ronaldo V. T. Santos, Lila M. Oyama, Ana R. Damaso, Cláudia M. Oller do Nascimento, Valter A. R. Viana, Rita A. Boscolo, Viviane Grassmann, Marcos G. Santana, Andrea M. Esteves, Sergio Tufik, Marco T. de Mello

Primary Institution: Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brasil

Hypothesis

Moderate exercise training improves the metabolic profile, and consequently, may induce beneficial effects on sleep parameters.

Conclusion

Moderate exercise training improves sleep quality in older people, but metabolic adaptations do not persist without adjustments to the training strategy.

Supporting Evidence

  • Training improved aerobic capacity and reduced serum NEFA and insulin concentrations after 3 months.
  • Awake time and REM sleep latency decreased after 6 months of exercise training.
  • Adiponectin levels increased after 3 months of training.

Takeaway

Older people who exercise regularly can sleep better, but they might need to change their exercise routine to keep getting health benefits.

Methodology

Fourteen male sedentary elderly volunteers performed moderate training for 60 minutes/day, 3 days/week for 24 weeks, with assessments at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months.

Limitations

The metabolic adaptations observed after 3 months of training were not maintained after 6 months, suggesting a need for adjustments in the training protocol.

Participant Demographics

Fourteen male sedentary, healthy, elderly volunteers living independently in São Paulo, Brazil.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1476-511X-10-113

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