10 minutes vs 10 hours?

Can 10 minutes of exercise really be as effective as 10 hours?  

High Intensity exercise seems to becoming a more popular form of workout and is something I aim to do in most of my workouts.  But is there more to this than just being a time-saver?  Or is it just seen as an easy way out?  Well I read an article in the Metro recently that adds some science to the argument.

Researchers at McMaster University in Canada discovered that exercising at very high intensity for short periods (e.g. sprinting) is just as effective in improving the cardio-respiratory system as much lower intensity exercise (e.g jogging) in endurance work.  Which is great news for those of us who have little time, but still want results.  

This is a great way to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our exercise program regardless of the amount of time available.

Read the full article in the Metro here: 
http://www.metro.co.uk/news/817371-10-minutes-of-fast-sprints-beat-10-hours-of-cycling