Training & movement
A · High confidencePhysical activity outside work and the risk of disease and death
Subject: Non-occupational physical activity and risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and mortality outcomes: a dose-response meta-analysis of large prospective studies
What this means
More physical activity outside work was linked to a lower risk of death, cardiovascular disease and cancer. The largest difference lay between none and about 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per week.
Garcia L, Pearce M, Abbas A, Mok A, Strain T, Ali S, Crippa A, Dempsey PC, Golubic R, Kelly P, Laird Y, McNamara E, Moore S, de Sa TH, Smith AD, Wijndaele K, Woodcock J, Brage S · 2023 · 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
More non-occupational physical activity is associated with lower mortality, cardiovascular disease and cancer risk, in a non-linear dose-response relationship. At roughly 150 min/week of moderate activity, all-cause mortality risk is already 31% lower; most benefit accrues in the low-to-moderate range, flattening above ~17.5 mMET-h/week.
Who this applies to
Adults from the general population; it concerns physical activity outside work.
Size of the research
196 articles covering 94 cohorts, together more than 30 million participants.
What to keep in mind
This research shows associations, not cause and effect. Above roughly double 150 minutes per week, additional differences were small and uncertain.
Practical conclusion for REZA
Strong support for REZA's core message: mortality benefit is already large at roughly 150 min/week of moderate activity — clients don't need extreme volumes to capture most of the health benefit.
View method and source
Methodology
Meta-analysis
Population
196 articles covering 94 cohorts with >30 million adults from the general population
Intervention
Non-occupational physical activity (exposure), analysed in marginal MET-hours/week
Outcome measures
All-cause mortality; incident total CVD, coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure; total and site-specific cancers
Limitations
Observational data: residual confounding, reverse causation, self-reported activity in most cohorts; heterogeneity in exposure assessment.
Original source
DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2022-105669 · PMID: 36854652
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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.