Author Interviews, Exercise - Fitness, Karolinski Institute / 25.11.2013
Non-Exercise Physical Activity: Longevity and Heart Health
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Elin Ekblom Bak | Doktorand
Institutionen för Medicin, Enheten för klinisk epidemiologi,
Karolinska universitetssjukhuset Solna
114 86 Stockholm
MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings of the study?
Answer: That we, in a large sample of 60 y old men and women, found that a generally active day life (compared with an inactive daily life) was significantly associated with a better metabolic health at baseline, and a reduced risk with 27% for a first time cardiovascular event and 30% for all-cause mortality during 12.5 years of follow up. This was seen regardless of intentional exercise. Why this is important is because the focus is often of just exercise for health benefits and longevity. Exercise is still important, but, as we saw in this study, the activity that we do during the extended hours of daily living is as important and has a significant effect on cardiovascular health and longevity. These results are in a reversed way in line with the detrimental effects of prolonged sitting (regardless exercise habits) now frequently reported in an increasing amount of research studies. This is because sedentary time mainly replaces time in daily activity, and vice versa (daily activity replace time spent sitting).
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