【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. accelerate /ækˈsɛl əˌreɪt/ (v.) – to cause faster development
Example: Proper rest accelerates muscle growth.
2. decline /dɪˈklaɪn/ (v.) – to fail in strength
Example: Muscle strength declines because of lack of exercise.
3. resemble /rɪˈzɛm bəl/ (v.) – to look like something
Example: The bodies of monkeys resemble the bodies of humans.
4. intentional /ɪnˈtɛn ʃə nl/ (adj.) – done with a purpose
Example: The injury done to the mice was intentional.
5. injury /ˈɪn dʒə ri/ (n.) – physical harm
Example: To avoid injuries, one must practice the proper form when exercising.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
A recent study shows that regular exercise accelerates muscle repair in older people.
Researchers from McMaster University in Canada conducted a study to know if regular exercise is beneficial for the muscle repair of senior citizens. It is generally believed that after the age of 50, the body starts to decline, thus slowing down muscle repair and reducing the ability of muscle tissues to contract.
Since mice resemble the genetic and biological characteristics of humans, three groups of mice were used in the study. The first group consisted of old mice, which exercised three times a week for eight weeks. The second group consisted of sedentary old mice, while the third had sedentary young mice. The mice’s legs were intentionally injured via injection of snake venom.
Data was gathered ten days and 28 days after the injury. Results showed that the first group—old mice that exercised—and the third group—sedentary young mice—recovered and gained more muscle mass at the same rate compared to the second group.
Regular exercise can improve the quality of life of senior citizens, but it is more challenging for them compared to younger adults. However, senior citizens can still reap the benefits by doing light exercises like walking and practicing tai chi. These simple exercises are not only preventive measures for injuries, but these are also ways to improve their memory, attention, processing speed, and stress levels.
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【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· Aside from those mentioned in the article, what are other non-physical effects of regular exercise?
· How can exercise be more fun for the elderly?
Discussion B
· Do you think that the results of a study based only on mice is reliable? Why or why not?
· Do you think that animal testing is acceptable in studies like these? Why or why not?
