The Effect of Long Duration Exercise on the Diastolic Function of the Heart

A exercise training program will be developed individually for each subject with the goal of increasing duration and intensity consistent with modern training techniques. Workouts will vary with respect to mode (walk, cycle, swim), duration (30-60 minutes), and intensity (base, interval, recovery) to optimize the training response. Each subject will be assigned a personal trainer and a heart rate monitor so that every session is carefully tracked and recorded. For intervals, we will use the novel high intensity aerobic intervals (HAIT). Subjects will also perform strength training 1-2 days/week.

For the balance and flexibility group, subjects will be encouraged to participate in yoga/tai chi/pilates classes that is approved by one of the exercise physiologists on the research team. The goal for this group is exercise classes that will be of benefit to them, but that will not include sustained aerobic, endurance exercise. In place of a group exercise class, subjects will have the option of purchasing videos for home use. The subjects will be encouraged to participate in some form of non-endurance training at least 3 days per week. Each subject will receive an exercise log in which they will be expected to record their training.