Even light physical activity could reduce risk of premature death, says new study | Life

PARIS, August 22 – New research in Europe has uncovered new evidence suggesting that physical activity – no matter how intense – could help reduce the risk of premature death, while too long a period of inactivity could have the opposite effect.

Led by researchers at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences in Oslo, Norway, this new study analyzed data from eight high-quality studies of 36,383 adults aged 40 years and older, with a mean age of 62. years.

In the studies, physical activity was measured using accelerometers, a portable device that records the volume and intensity of activity during waking hours, and the data was used to rank participants in groups, depending on the intensity of their activity.

The results, published today by the BMJ, showed that after taking into account potentially influential factors, any level of physical activity, regardless of its intensity, was associated with a risk of death much lower.

In addition, the increase in time spent in active activity was associated with a clear decrease in the number of deaths, even when the activity was mild. In contrast, spending a significant part of the day in sedentary lifestyles – 9.5 hours or more – was associated with a significantly greater risk of death, with the team discovering about five times more deaths among inactive participants than at home. the most active.

The results are consistent with previous studies that repeatedly suggested that sedentary behavior had a negative effect on health and was related to premature death, while staying active could increase the chances of living longer and better. health.

The guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity a week. Examples of light intensity activity include slow walking or light tasks such as cooking or dishwashing. Moderate activity includes brisk walking, vacuuming or mowing, and vigorous activity includes jogging and activities such as heavy lifting or digging.

The researchers note that the study has some limitations. For example, all participants who are at least 40 years old, the results may not apply to younger people. However, the size of the sample was large and the use of accelerometers to measure the activity is more accurate than the use of self-declaration of participants.

They conclude that the findings suggest that we should "sit back and move more and more often," adding that "find ways to limit sedentary periods and increase activity to any extent. which level could significantly improve health and reduce mortality ". – AFP-Relaxnews