A study carried out at University of Galway has shed light on how varying styles of exercise and training affect muscle health.
Researchers focused on shorter bursts of very intensive exercise, versus longer periods of less intensive exercise.
This study was an international collaboration led by Dr. Enda Murphy, and primarily involved young, healthy active men involving in training or exercise at least twice a week.
Researchers took muscle biopsy samples from them before, and 24 hours after exercise, like sprint intervals and cycling.
The conclusion was fairly simple.
Despite involving a lower workload overall, short intensive bursts had a more positive on muscle function compared to longer bouts of less intensive exercise.
On a more complex level, researchers also took precise measures of metabolic health, including insulin sensitivity, which also pointed towards short intensive training.
Researchers say further study is needed to see if the findings would apply to other groups, like women, older people, or those with chronic medical conditions.
