Enhancing Functional Capacity in Older Adults With Short Session High Intensity Interval Training

Frailty is a clinical condition of poor physiological reserve that increases risks for adverse health outcomes including falls, hospitalization and mortality. Exercise is beneficial for the prevention and even reversal of frailty, yet participation among older individuals is limited. Short session high intensity interval training (HIIT) is emerging as a promising exercise strategy that achieves performance gains with lower time commitment. The goal of this pilot proposal is to establish the feasibility of HIIT exercise training protocols in 65-85 year old individuals, as well as to demonstrate the ability to detect functional and physiologic benefits. The investigators anticipate the preliminary research findings will lay the foundation for future human clinical studies that will permit us to significantly improve the health of Veterans.