Assess the relative effectiveness of vigorous-intensity exercise and moderate-intensity exercise in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease

Answer 1

Vigorous-intensity programs yield higher improvements in VO2max than do moderate-intensity programs, especially in people with higher fitness levels. Furthermore, a comprehensive review of research articles looking at the protective benefits of physical fitness versus the weekly amount of physical activity found that higher levels of aerobic fitness are associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease, even when the duration of moderate-intensity activity is prolonged to match the energy expenditure performed during a shorter vigorous effort. The results showed that people who accumulate the greatest amount of weekly physical activity have a 28 percent reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease; whereas the individuals with the highest level of aerobic fitness reduce their risk by 64 percent, more than twice the level of risk reduction in the most active group.
Another review of several clinical studies substantiated that vigorous, compared with moderate-intensity, exercise leads to better improvements in coronary heart disease risk factors, including aerobic endurance, blood pressure, and blood glucose control. As a result, the pendulum is again swinging toward vigorous intensity because of the added aerobic benefits, greater protection against disease, and larger energy expenditure that helps with weight management.