In old age and in cases of overweight or obesity, just 2 weeks without intense activity can have a dramatic impact on health, effects that will be difficult to reverse, warn these researchers from the University McMaster. Not only did a brief period of inactivity raise blood sugar levels in these prediabetic patients, but recovery remains incomplete after 2 weeks of physical and nutritional recovery. Conclusions presented in the Journals of Gerontology which also warn against “forced sedentary life”, by a fall or hospitalization, and which proves to be decisive in these metabolically vulnerable patients.
“We expected these participants to become diabetic, but were surprised to find that they couldn't go back to normal activity,” says Chris McGlory, physical therapist and researcher at McMaster University.
Less than 1,000 steps per day, a sedentary lifestyle not to be prolonged… In this study, participants had to reduce their number of daily steps to a maximum of 1,000, which corresponds to remaining confined to their homes. Their activity was assessed using pedometers and activity monitors, and their blood sugar levels were regularly measured during the 2-week study period. The results are clear: elderly people who, for one reason or another, experience periods of physical inactivity are more likely to suffer harmful and lasting effects on their metabolism.
"For prediabetic older adults to regain metabolic health and avoid further periods of inactivity, it is necessary to develop strategies for rehabilitation to activity and adherence to the right diet ."
