Monday, November 21, 2011

Physical Activity vs CVD Mortality

So just how many studies do you need to read that describe the link between physical activity & your mortality before you get out of your recliner?  Well, just in case you haven't been convinced yet, another observational study was published this month demonstrating that physical activity is associated with lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality regardless of the more typical risk factors.

The authors followed 10,261 participants of NHANES III for more than 13yrs on average in order to arrive at their conclusion.  Granted, physical activity was assessed via questionnaire rather than measured by a more objective & realistic measure.  Worse, the assessment was performed just once (at baseline).  Still, this finding is consistent with all previous studies.

To be more specific, vigorous activity was described as those w/MET value of at least 6 at least 3 times/wk.  Moderate activity was described as a frequency of at least 5 times/wk with no more than 2 activities of vigorous nature.  Light activity was defined as neither vigorous nor moderately so.

Interestingly, those engaging in light activity had the best mortality (survival) outcomes with moderate-vigorous activity placing a close but statistically significant 2nd, compared to inactivity, which is also consistent w/more recent studies.  So what are you waiting for?  Get out there and do something, anything of at least 15min duration!



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