Key Findings from “Health benefits of physical activity: the evidence”
- Primary and Secondary Prevention of Diseases:
- Physical activity significantly reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer (particularly colon and breast), hypertension, obesity, depression, and osteoporosis.
- A linear relationship exists: increased physical activity and fitness correlate with greater improvements in health outcomes.
- Reduction in Mortality:
- Higher levels of physical activity reduce the relative risk of premature death by approximately 20%–35%.
- Increasing fitness levels by just 1 MET (Metabolic Equivalent Task) can reduce mortality by about 20%.
- Physically inactive middle-aged women saw a 52% increase in all-cause mortality compared to active women.
- Dose-Response Relationship:
- The greatest health gains occur when previously sedentary individuals become active.
- Expending about 1000 kcal per week through physical activity reduces all-cause mortality by 20%–30%.
- Regular physical activity at even low-to-moderate intensities, such as 1 hour of walking per week, was associated with significant mortality benefits, especially among women.
- Disease-Specific Benefits:
- Cardiovascular Disease: Physical fitness not only reduces the incidence but also improves outcomes for individuals with existing cardiovascular disease. Cardiac rehabilitation reduces mortality and disease progression.
- Diabetes: Both aerobic and resistance exercise help prevent type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle changes including moderate physical activity are more effective than metformin for preventing diabetes in high-risk individuals.
- Cancer: Physical activity decreases the risk of colon and breast cancer by 20%–40%.
- Osteoporosis: Resistance and weight-bearing exercises improve bone density and reduce the risk of falls and fractures.
- Mental Health Improvements:
- Regular physical activity alleviates depression, anxiety, and stress, leading to better overall mental health.
- Improvements in musculoskeletal fitness, especially in older adults, help maintain independence and reduce disability.
- Health Benefits for Special Populations:
- Physical fitness and activity help elderly individuals maintain independence by improving strength and flexibility.
- Patients with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular conditions benefit significantly from regular, low-to-moderate exercise interventions.
- Public Health Implications:
- Health guidelines, such as those from Health Canada, which recommend moderate physical activity, are effective in reducing health risks.
- Promoting physical activity at all life stages is essential to prevent chronic disease and improve quality of life.
In summary, this study confirms that physical activity is crucial not only for preventing chronic diseases and reducing mortality but also for improving mental health, bone density, and quality of life.
Original Article: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1402378/