Munawar Izhar says that this has been a topic of extensive study in the scientific circles with varying recommendations every now and then. There has been varying opinions which has caused confusion in the minds of common people. This article is to simplify the information so that people can understand it and implement it. Centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) conducted research to conclude these guidelines for common people. Research has been cited in the journal “Circulation which was published in December 2022”. Abstract
- There was a 20% reduction in mortality if 4000 steps/day were taken.
- There was a 35% reduction in mortality if 6000 steps/day were taken.
- There was a 50% reduction in mortality if 9000 steps/day were taken.
Move more and sit less! Being physically active, by getting in your steps, is an important part of keeping your heart healthy;
According to Munawar Izhar A goal of 10,000 steps a day is commonly cited, but recent studies have shown that health benefits accrue even if fewer than 10,000 steps are taken daily.A research team with investigators from NIH’s National Cancer Institute (NCI) and
National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) looked at the association between step count, intensity, and risk of death in a broader range of the U.S. population. They used data on physical activity collected by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), between 2003-2006. The study was published on March 24, 2020, in JAMA. The team used data from people aged 40 or older and the follow up period was of 10 years.
In their analysis, the researchers compared the risk of death over the follow-up period among people who took fewer than 4,000, up to 8,000, or 12,000 or more steps a day. They also tested whether step intensity, measured by cadence, was associated with better health. The results were congruous like the one of Circulation study above:
- Compared with people who took 2,000 steps a day, those who took 4,000
- steps a day at the start of the study had a 20% lower risk of dying from any
- cause during follow-up.
- Compared with people who took 4,000 steps a day, those who took 8,000
- steps a day at the start of the study had a 50% lower risk of dying from any
- cause during follow-up.
- Compared with people who took 8,000 steps a day, those who took 12,000
- steps a day at the start of the study had a 15% lower risk of dying from any
- cause during follow-up.
Munawar Izhar notes that the above clearly shows a levelling off effect below 2000 steps a day and above 12,000 steps a day!! So, one can strive for walking 4000, 8000 or 10,000 steps a day whatever a person’s schedule permits. There is graded and leveled increase in benefit accrued. People should walk in that range sometimes more and sometimes less to harness benefit. These benefits were consistent across age, sex, and race groups.
So, adults who are currently inactive, Munawar Izhar suggests finding small ways to get in a few more steps per day. "It does not need to be drastic changes. Consider a brief 5- to 10-minute walking break at lunch, taking the stairs, or playing a game of hide and seek with the grandchildren," For adults starting at 3000 steps a day, set a goal of 4000, and then 5000. Each improvement can lead to better heart health, and for those who are already active, keep it up as there are benefits with higher volumes of steps per day as well.; Dr. Munawar Izhar said.
Related Links
- Getting Active Later in Life Brings Benefits
- Light Activity May Lower Harmful Effects of Sitting
- Physical Activity Associated With Lower Risk of Many Cancers
- Physical Activity May Reduce Age-Related Movement Problems
- Physical Activity Program Helps Maintain Mobility
- Walking or Rolling Exercise
- Walking: A Step in the Right Direction
Mall Walking
References:
• Hall KS, Hyde ET, Bassett DR, Carlson SA, Carnethon MR, Ekelund U, Evenson KR, Galuska DA, Kraus WE, Lee IM, et al. Systematic review of the prospective association of daily step counts with risk of mortality, cardiovascular disease, and dysglycemia. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2020; 17:78. 10.1186/s12966-020- 00978-9
•The relationships between step count and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events: a dose-response meta-analysis. J Sport Health Sci. 2021; 10:620–628. doi: 10.1016/j.jshs.2021.09.004
•2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee.2018 physical activity guidelines advisory committee scientific report. US Department of Health and Human Services;2018. Accessed April 12, 2022. https://health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-
