Cited by 568Physical Activity and HealthCardiovascular and exercise physiologyDiabetes, Cardiovascular Risks, and Lipoproteins

Effect of the volume and intensity of exercise training on insulin sensitivity

Houmard, Joseph A., Tanner, Charles J., Slentz, Cris A., Duscha, Brian D., McCartney, Jennifer S., Kraus, William E.·2004·Journal of Applied Physiology

Abstract

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 randomly 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 designing training programs with the intent of improving insulin action.

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Crossref · 10.1152/japplphysiol.00707.2003

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  • Twelve markers that increase risk of chronic diseases became worse in the 6-month inactive control group, including increases in body weight, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, VAT, total abdominal fat, fasting insulin, LDL particle number, small dense LDL, and LDL-cholesterol, and decreases in insulin sensitivity and fitness.

    “Twelve markers that increase the risk of chronic diseases became worse in the 6-month inactive “control group”, including increases in body weight, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, VAT, total abdominal fat, fasting insulin, LDL particle number, small dense LDL and LDL-cholesterol; and decreases in insulin sensitivity, and fitness (35, 153, 246, 257, 284, 481).”

    From Lack of Exercise Is a Major Cause of Chronic Diseases (2012) · cites this paper as [246]

  • Exercise training can significantly improve insulin sensitivity.

    “Exercise training can significantly improve insulin sensitivity.102”

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Authors
Houmard, J. A., Tanner, C. J., Slentz, C. A., Duscha, B. D., McCartney, J. S., & Kraus, W. E.
Affiliations
East Carolina University (US)
Venue
Journal of Applied Physiology
Published
2004-01
Volume
96
Issue
1
Pages
101-106
ISSN
  • 0161-7567 (ISSN-L)
  • 8750-7587
  • 1522-1601
OpenAlex
W2167485048
Cited by
568
References
28
Citations by year
2026: 15 · 2025: 18 · 2024: 9 · 2023: 16 · 2022: 26 · 2021: 23 · 2020: 19 · 2019: 28 · 2018: 21 · 2017: 28 · 2016: 34 · 2015: 43 · 2014: 27 · 2013: 27 · 2012: 35
FWCI
16.24
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Journal of Applied Physiology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (R01 HL 57354, R01HL057354)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Physical Activity and Health
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Complementary and alternative medicine › Cardiovascular and exercise physiology
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism › Diabetes, Cardiovascular Risks, and Lipoproteins
Keywords
insulin sensitivity, exercise training, exercise intensity, exercise volume, insulin resistance, obesity, overweight, sedentary lifestyle, exercise prescription, moderate-intensity exercise, high-intensity exercise, walking, jogging, insulin sensitivity index
MeSH terms
Blood Glucose, Cardiovascular Diseases, Diabetes Mellitus, Fasting, Female, Humans, Insulin, Insulin Resistance, Male, Middle Aged, Obesity, Exercise, Body Mass Index, Risk Reduction Behavior

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