Walk more to offset the risks of sitting for long periods.

A new study confirms that increasing daily walking can significantly reduce the risk of death and cardiovascular disease, even for those who typically sit for long periods.

Research from the Charles Perkins Centre at the University of Sydney (Australia), published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, shows that increasing daily steps to around 10,000 steps reduces the risk of death by 39% and the risk of cardiovascular disease by 21%. Notably, these benefits were observed regardless of how much time you spend sitting each day.

Walking more each day, even just a few thousand steps, can offset the risks caused by sitting too much - Photo: Shutterstock

Specifically, the authors analyzed data from over 72,000 study participants with an average age of 61, 58% of whom were female. Participants used wearable devices for 7 days to accurately track their activity levels and the amount of time they spent sitting or lying down.

The results showed that the most significant risk reduction was observed at the 9,000 to 10,000 step-per-day range. However, people don't necessarily need to reach this absolute number to see the effect, as just 4,000 to 4,500 steps are enough to achieve half of the health benefits.

Dr. Matthew Ahmadi, the lead author of the study, emphasized that while walking isn't a health solution for prolonged sitting, any form of exercise is valuable in offsetting the health consequences of a sedentary lifestyle.

Scientists expect this evidence will help shape future guidelines on physical activity based on wearable devices.

Although the study was observational, the core message remains clear: actively moving your legs is the simplest way to protect your heart and improve your quality of life.

Ngoc Ha (according to Science Daily)

Source: https://baohatinh.vn/di-bo-nhieu-hon-de-bu-dap-rui-ro-do-ngoi-nhieu-post309570.html