Can daily step habits predict cardiovascular risk?
Daily step patterns could reflect the risk of developing cardiovascular disease among adults who achieve suboptimal physical activity.
In a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, investigators used UK Biobank accelerometer data to examine the cardiovascular effects and survival outcomes of short vs. sustained longer bouts of step accumulation patterns in a cohort of more than 33,500 participants who recorded fewer than 8,001 steps per day. The participants were free of cardiovascular disease at baseline and were categorized into groups on the basis of physical activity duration: less than five minutes, five to less than 10 minutes, 10 to less than 15 minutes and 15 minutes or longer.
The investigators found that the duration of each physical activity bout was inversely associated with the risk of cumulative all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease incidence. The correlation was greatest in those who achieved less than 5,000 steps each day.
In a companion editorial also published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, investigators hypothesized that sustained longer bouts of physical activity could improve heart rate variability, endothelial function and insulin sensitivity. Clinicians were advised to recommend walking sessions of at least 10 minutes to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Read more: Annals of Internal Medicine
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