BIRMINGHAM, AL — A study at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Human Studies aims to determine how often elderly adults should exercise to maintain physical fitness and mobility. The study is supported with a $1.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health.

Past studies have shown that both aerobic and resistance training are important for helping elderly adults to remain physically fit, to build muscle strength and to continue their ability to perform everyday activities. But questions remain concerning how often older adults should engage in aerobic and resistance training to experience those health benefits.

“Traditionally, combined aerobic and resistance training three days a week was believed to be the optimal amount needed, while recent studies suggest one day a week may create similar adaptations as the more frequent training,” said UAB human studies Professor Gary Hunter, Ph.D., the study’s principal investigator.

“However, our previous and ongoing studies suggest that one day a week may be insufficient and that three days a week of combined (aerobic and resistance) training may be too frequent,” said Hunter. “This study will enable us to compare the effects of exercise performed one, two and three days a week on fitness, body composition, ease of physical activity and energy expenditure. The information is critical to our understanding of ways to improve health and well being, quality of life and independence.”

UAB researchers are seeking participants for the 32-week study. Participants must be Caucasian or African-American women over the age of 60 with no history of smoking, diabetes or heart disease. Participants will be compensated. For details, call (205) 975-0666 or (205) 934-4386.