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Increased walking pace reduces risk for CVD, mortality
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Patients who increased their walking pace had reduced risk for CVD and all-cause mortality, according to a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
“Assuming our results reflect cause and effect, these analyses suggest that increasing walking pace may be a straightforward way for people to improve heart health and risk for premature mortality, providing a simple message for public health campaigns to promote,” Emmanuel Stamatakis, PhD, MSc, BSc, professor of physical activity, lifestyle and population health at University of Sydney, said in a press release. “Especially in situations when walking more isn’t possible due to time pressures or a less walking-friendly environment, walking faster may be a good option to get the heart rate up — one that most people can easily incorporate into their lives.”
Researchers analyzed data from 50,225 patients from 11 pooled population British cohorts who reported at least one occasion of walking within the past 4 weeks and were free from angina, stroke, ischemic heart disease and prevalent cancer.
Surveys were completed between 1994 and 2008, which collected information on domestic physical activity, walking and participation in exercises and sports 4 weeks before the interview. Other data gathered included education, age, medical history, alcohol consumption and smoking status. Height and weight were measured and used to calculate BMI.
Among 49,731 patients who did not have an event during the first 24 months of follow-up, the risk for all-cause death was decreased in those who walked at an average (20%; 95% CI, 12-28) or brisk/fast pace (24%; 95% CI, 13-33) vs. those who walked at a slow pace. This was also seen in the risk for CVD mortality (24%; 95% CI, 9-36; 21%; 95% CI, 1-38, respectively).
There was clearer evidence of a link between walking pace and CVD and all-cause mortality in patients older than 50 years compared with other patients in the sample, although this was not seen for cancer mortality. Stronger evidence was also seen in patients who did not undertake vigorous-intensity activity and those who did not meet the physical activity recommendations.
Researchers saw no interactions by BMI or sex.
“Walking is a cornerstone of [physical activity] promotion for public health, but volume of walking (steps per day) has often been emphasized,” Stamatakis and colleagues wrote. “Given the perceived time barrier cited by those who fail to meet current [physical activity] guidelines, a pace change may be more feasible (for those with adequate physical capacity) than increased volume or duration.” – by Darlene Dobkowski
Disclosures: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.
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