The Impact of Postprandial 'Exercise Snacks' on Protein and Glucose Metabolism Following a Period of Step Reduction in Older Adults

Many adults gradually lose muscle size, strength, and function after the age of 50. These losses are believed to occur faster with periods of reduced activity (e.g., lower step counts or physical movement when sick or injured) and can be difficult to regain by merely returning to a previously normal activity status. Such periods of reduced activity can also impair the body's ability to use the nutrients in the food consumed (e.g., proteins and carbohydrates), which increases the risk of frailty, type 2 diabetes, and ultimately a reduced quality of life. It is important to identify strategies to prevent these losses in muscle size, strength, and function especially during periods of reduced activity.

Recently, our laboratory has found that performing repeated bodyweight chair squats (repeated sit-to-stands with a calf raise) during a single day of reduced activity improves the muscle's ability to use carbohydrates and proteins, which may be a viable strategy to offset the negative effects of step reduction on muscle health.

In this study, the investigators will assess whether completing bodyweight chair squats at regular intervals (i.e., 'exercise snacks') reduces the negative effects of step reduction on carbohydrate and protein metabolism following a meal. The investigators will determine the impact of 'exercise snacks' (15 chair stands with calf raises every 30 min) compared to seated rest on protein and carbohydrate metabolism following three days of step reduction. The investigators will also assess how these responses compare to those seen following three days of normal (i.e., habitual) activity.