Although improved measurement techniques has strengthened the evidence that low PA is associated with higher mortality rates, it still does not lead to more accurate estimates on the disease burden due to insufficient PA.
Researchers at Griffith University conducted a study to estimate the effect of low levels of physical activity on the life expectancy. They estimated how many years life expectancy could be extended by increasing the PA level, for both the individual and the entire population.
The study relied on accelerometry-based data from the US to measure physical activity more accurately. This is a significant improvement over previous studies that relied heavily on survey results. Findings revealed that physical activity has health benefits about two times as great as originally estimated.
The study showed that those who were physically active had 73% less risk of dying than their counterparts. This shows the importance of physical activity in reducing the risk of mortality.
Lennert Veerman, a leading researcher at the University of California-Berkeley, said: This cohort was the most likely to benefit from health improvements.
If you are already active, or in the top quartile of people, then an additional hour walk will not be much different, as in some ways, you have already “maxed out” your benefits.
This isn’t a ridiculous prospect as 25% of the population already do it.
It can be anything, but it’s roughly equivalent to walking for just over three hours per day.
Researchers suggested that low physical activity could have negative health effects comparable to smoking. Some studies show that smoking can shorten the life of a smoker by 11 minutes per cigarette.
The team concluded that adopting an active lifestyle can provide protection against certain chronic diseases, such as heart disease and stroke. According to the study, updated physical activity guidelines are needed in order to reflect better on physical activity’s impact on mortality and health.
Veerman, Dr. “Physical activity was underrated in terms of its ability to enhance health, and even modest increases could have significant benefits on life expectancy.”
Physical activity can help you to reduce your mortality risk by more than half.
If we increased investment in the promotion of physical activity, and created living environments which promote it (such as walking or cycling neighborhoods, and affordable, convenient public transportation systems), we could improve longevity, and reduce pressures on our health system and environment.
Journal Reference
- Lennert Veerman, Jakob Tarp et al. A life-table study of physical activity and lifespan. British Journal of Sports Medicine. DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2024-108125
