Training & movement
A · High confidenceHow many daily steps go with a lower risk of death
Subject: Daily steps and all-cause mortality: a meta-analysis of 15 international cohorts
What this means
More daily steps were linked to a steadily lower risk of death. From age 60 the benefit levelled off around 6000 to 8000 steps, in younger adults around 8000 to 10 000 steps.
Paluch AE, Bajpai S, Bassett DR, Carnethon MR, Ekelund U, Evenson KR, Galuska DA, Jefferis BJ, Kraus WE, Lee I-M, et al. (Steps for Health Collaborative) · 2022 · Lancet Public Health
What does this rating mean?
Multiple consistent meta-analyses or a position stand. Sufficient basis for a fixed choice in the coaching.
Findings
More daily steps are associated with progressively lower mortality risk, up to roughly 6,000-8,000 steps/day in adults 60 and older and 8,000-10,000 steps/day in adults under 60. A faster stepping cadence, independent of step volume, was also associated with lower mortality.
Who this applies to
Adults aged 18 and over from international cohorts; the levelling-off point differed for those under and over 60.
Size of the research
15 studies with 47 471 adults in total, of whom 3013 died during follow-up.
What to keep in mind
This is an association from observational research. It does not show that taking more steps itself lowers the risk.
Practical conclusion for REZA
Provides a concrete, low-barrier target alongside resistance training: roughly 6,000-8,000 daily steps for clients 60+ and 8,000-10,000 below that captures most of the mortality benefit.
View method and source
Methodology
Prospective study
Population
47,471 adults from 15 cohorts (7 published, 8 unpublished); 3013 deaths; median follow-up 7.1 years
Intervention
Exposure: steps per day (quartile medians 3553, 5801, 7842, 10,901) and stepping rate
Outcome measures
All-cause mortality
Limitations
Observational (no causal inference); baseline single accelerometer measurement; reverse causation possible in older/frailer participants; heterogeneous devices and step algorithms.
Original source
DOI: 10.1016/S2468-2667(21)00302-9 · PMID: 35247352
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.