Some physical activity is better than none

Researchers in the US reviewed the evidence to tell us how many minutes of exercise per week we should get.

First, the details.

• 33 epidemiological studies of physical activity and prevention of coronary heart disease were reviewed.

And, the results.

• People with the equivalent of 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity leisure-time physical activity (minimum amount, 2008 US federal guidelines) had a 14% lower coronary heart disease risk vs no leisure-time physical activity.
• Those with the equivalent of 300 minutes/week of moderate-intensity leisure-time physical activity (2008 US federal guidelines for additional benefits) had a 20% lower risk.
• At higher levels of physical activity, relative risks were modestly lower.
• People physically active at levels lower than the minimum recommended also had significantly lower risk of coronary heart disease.
• The benefits of exercise were greater among women than men.

The bottom line?

The authors concluded, “Some physical activity is better than none” and “additional benefits occur with more physical activity.”

And support for exercise in people with heart disease is here.

“It doesn’t matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle. When the sun comes up, you better be running.” Abe Gubegna, Ethiopian novelist.

8/5/11 20:26 JR