Researchers from the University of College London have found that any form of movement, except for sitting, can improve heart health, according to a new study. The research, which analyzed data from six previous studies involving 15,246 individuals across five countries, discovered that moderate-vigorous physical activity had the most positive impact on heart health, followed by light activity, standing, and even sleeping.
To measure the participants’ activity levels throughout the day, they wore a wearable device on their thigh. The results showed that sedentary behavior had a more negative effect on heart health compared to any form of movement. Lead author Jo Blodgett highlights the importance of the intensity of movement, stating that replacing sitting with moderate to vigorous activity is the most beneficial change.
Furthermore, the study revealed that even low intensity activity can improve heart health if done for a sufficient amount of time. This suggests that individuals who are unable to engage in high-intensity activities can still reap the benefits by incorporating low-intensity movement into their daily routines.
One achievable modification suggested by the researchers is standing at a desk instead of sitting. This small change could have a significant impact on improving heart health for some individuals. Interestingly, the research found that the individuals who were the least active saw the most improvement in heart health when transitioning from sedentary behavior to more active behavior.
The study is part of the Prospective Physical Activity, Sitting and Sleep (ProPASS) consortium, which aims to develop guidelines around exercise, sleep, and activity. These findings are particularly significant given that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally, resulting in an estimated 17.9 million deaths each year. In the United States, one person dies every 33 seconds from cardiovascular disease, costing the nation a staggering $239.9 billion annually.
Overall, this research reinforces the importance of incorporating movement into our daily lives to promote heart health. Whether it’s engaging in moderate-vigorous physical activity or simply standing instead of sitting, any form of movement can have a positive impact on our cardiovascular well-being. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in the fight against heart disease.
“Travel aficionado. Incurable bacon specialist. Tv evangelist. Wannabe internet enthusiast. Typical creator.”