30 Oct Longer Walks May Provide Extra Heart and Longevity Benefits
Dr. Del Pozo Cruz
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Borja del Pozo Cruz, PhD
Department of Sport Sciences
Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Sport Sciences
Universidad Europea de Madrid
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: We now have consistent evidence that taking around 7,000 to 10,000 steps per day is associated with substantially lower risks of death and cardiovascular disease. However, much less is known about how those steps are accumulated throughout the day. This question is particularly relevant for people who are mostly inactive, as their steps are often of lower intensity and accumulated in short, fragmented bouts. Understanding whether different step accumulation patterns have distinct health effects in this group is essential to refine physical activity recommendations and make them more inclusive.
MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings? What is considered a ‘longer walk’?
Response: Among generally inactive adults, we found that taking steps in longer, sustained walks was associated with a greater reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality compared to accumulating the same number of steps in short, fragmented bouts. In our analysis, a “longer walk” typically meant continuous walking periods of about 10 minutes or more, which we described as a more concentrated walking pattern.
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: For people who are mostly inactive, how steps are accumulated matters. While increasing total daily steps is important, dedicating time to longer, uninterrupted walks may provide extra benefits for heart health and longevity. This means that even modest increases in walking duration and continuity could make a meaningful difference for those starting from low activity levels.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a results of this study?
Response: Future studies should investigate why sustained walking may offer additional benefits, and whether promoting longer walking bouts in interventions can effectively improve health outcomes in inactive populations. Understanding these mechanisms could help refine physical activity guidelines for those most in need of change.
MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add? Any disclosures?
Response: Our findings reinforce that every step counts, but for people who are largely inactive, taking longer, continuous walks may count even more.
The study was conducted independently, and the authors report no conflicts of interest.
Citation: Borja del Pozo Cruz, Matthew Ahmadi, Angelo Sabag, et al. Step Accumulation Patterns and Risk for Cardiovascular Events and Mortality Among Suboptimally Active Adults. Ann Intern Med. [Epub 28 October 2025]. doi:10.7326/ANNALS-25-01547
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Last Updated on October 30, 2025 by Marie Benz MD FAAD
