Training & movement
A · High confidenceHow your fitness level relates to the risk of death
Subject: Cardiorespiratory fitness and mortality from all causes, cardiovascular disease and cancer: dose-response meta-analysis of cohort studies
What this means
Better fitness went along with lower death rates from all causes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. At the highest fitness level, the risk of death was roughly half that at the lowest.
Han M, Qie R, Shi X, Yang Y, Lu J, Hu F, Zhang M, Zhang Z, Hu D, Zhao Y · 2022 · British Journal of Sports Medicine
What does this rating mean?
Multiple consistent meta-analyses or a position stand. Sufficient basis for a fixed choice in the coaching.
Findings
Each additional MET of cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with 12% lower all-cause mortality, 13% lower cardiovascular mortality and 7% lower cancer mortality. Even intermediate fitness levels already showed large risk reductions versus low fitness.
Who this applies to
Healthy people whose fitness was measured with an exercise stress test.
Size of the research
34 studies that followed groups of people over time. The total number of participants is not given in the summary.
What to keep in mind
The studies only observed people. They show an association, not proven cause and effect. Studies were searched up to the end of 2019.
Practical conclusion for REZA
Motivating for clients who aren't yet fit: you don't need to reach elite fitness — even an intermediate fitness level already shows a large mortality benefit.
View method and source
Methodology
Meta-analysis
Population
34 cohort studies of generally healthy populations (searched to December 2019)
Intervention
Exposure: CRF from exercise stress testing, categorical levels and per 1-MET increment
Outcome measures
All-cause, cardiovascular and cancer mortality
Limitations
Observational; participant totals not stated in the record; single baseline fitness measurement; possible publication bias and residual confounding.
Original source
DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2021-104876 · PMID: 35022163
View on PubMed →This information is general education about scientific research. It is not personal medical advice and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a doctor or other healthcare professional. If you have symptoms, a medical condition or take medication, consult your GP or treating professional before changing your training or nutrition.