Brief Bursts of Physical Activity can Lower Cardiovascular Risk

Lawrence Greenblatt, MD

In a significant development for public health, especially for individuals with type 2 diabetes at risk for heart-related issues, a recent study offers promising insights. This research, published in The Lancet Public Health, reveals that even brief periods of physical activity, not necessarily constituting formal exercise, can substantially lower the risk of major cardiovascular events and mortality. This finding is particularly relevant for those who do not engage in regular exercise routines, highlighting the health benefits of integrating short bursts of physical activity into daily life.

The study scrutinized the effects of moderate-to-vigorous intermittent physical activity, even as short as 1 to 5 minutes, on overall mortality risk and the likelihood of cardiovascular incidents. Utilizing data from over 25,000 participants from the UK Biobank, who did not report engaging in leisure-time physical exercise, the research employed accelerometers (like Fit Bits or Apple Watches) to accurately measure the intensity and duration of physical activities undertaken. The results were adjusted for various factors, including sex, education level, alcohol intake, and fruit and vegetable consumption, over an average follow-up period of 7.9 years.

Key findings of the study, as highlighted by researcher Matthew Ahmadi, indicate that daily activities involving physical effort, such as household tasks or walking, can have significant health benefits. Notably, engaging in these activities with at least moderate pace and effort for at least 1-5 minutes can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by 29-44%. This evidence underscores the health advantages of incorporating physical activity into everyday routines, even for those who find it challenging to set aside time for structured exercise. These activities might include taking the stairs, parking across a parking lot and walking further, housework, or carrying groceries.

However, the study is not without its limitations. The data, derived from the UK Biobank, may not be fully applicable to other populations. Additionally, the activity levels were only monitored for a week, suggesting that longer-term studies could offer more comprehensive insights. Despite these limitations, the research provides a strong foundation for promoting physical activity in daily life, especially for those who are unable or unwilling to adhere to traditional exercise regimens. The findings hold significant implications for public health strategies aimed at reducing cardiac risks and enhancing overall wellbeing through accessible and manageable physical activity.

For more information: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/short-bursts-exercise-heart-health