HIIT Training: A Long-Term Remedy for Brain Health

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A recent study from CLINIMEX Sports Medicine Clinic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, has provided a promising perspective on the relationship between body flexibility and lifespan. After more than 28 years of tracking nearly 3,000 people, scientists found that those with higher flexibility scores had a significantly higher survival rate compared to those with lower flexibility.

Flexibility is not just a factor that supports movement but can also be related to overall health and longevity. According to the research team, flexibility is defined as “the ability of muscles and connective tissues to move across a joint or joint group.” The loss of flexibility can lead to muscle strain, back pain, or reduced mobility, thereby affecting quality of life.

“Flexibility not only helps the body move smoothly but could also be the key to maintaining long-term health,” – Dr. Claudio Gil S. Araújo, CLINIMEX, 2023.

In this study, the research team used a test called Flexitest to assess flexibility in 20 joints of the body, including the ankles, knees, shoulders, hips, and elbows. Each movement was rated from 0 to 4, creating a total Flexindex score ranging from 0 to 80. The results showed that women had a Flexindex score on average 35% higher than men. Notably, those with the lowest Flexindex scores had a natural death risk 4.78 times (female) and 1.87 times (male) higher compared to those with higher scores.

However, flexibility is not just a natural factor but can be improved through daily stretching exercises or participation in yoga. Experts suggest some stretching movements such as:

• Hip stretch with knee hug
• Half-kneeling hip stretch
• Calf stretch against a wall

“Doing flexibility exercises not only helps prevent injuries but also improves joint health and reduces stiffness,” – Chris McDermott, health expert in Florida, 2023.

The research team also emphasized that flexibility is an important part of overall health, especially for those in middle age. Incorporating flexibility tests like Flexitest into regular health check-ups could provide many benefits in advising and prescribing personalized exercise programs.

While the study results are encouraging, experts also call for further in-depth studies to confirm the link between flexibility and lifespan. However, maintaining and improving body flexibility is clearly a step in the right direction toward a healthier and more sustainable life.

Start with small changes – such as simple stretching exercises, yoga, or light physical activity – to boost your health today.