Study finds daily physical activity reduces risk of death from sedentary lifestyle

20 to 25 minutes of daily physical activity reduces the risk of death due to sedentary behavior, especially over the age of 50, according to a study published Tuesday in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

The study was based on 12,000 people aged at least 50 years and, based on case-by-case assessments, confirms that about 22 minutes of exercise is needed to combat the health risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle in developed countries, where adults spend about 22 minutes physical exercise. an average of nine to 10 hours a day sitting.

The data analyzed were collected between 2003 and 2019 in Norway, Sweden and the United States from individual participants who wore activity trackers for at least two years.

Participants previously provided information on potential confounding factors such as sexual activity, education, weight, height, smoking history, alcohol consumption, and whether they had or had previously suffered from cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, or others.

The results show that of the nearly 12,000 people observed, 6,042 accumulated 10.5 or more hours of sedentary time, and 5,943 accumulated slightly less.

A comparison with mortality data showed that over an average period of five years, 805 people (7%) died, of whom 357 spent less than 10.5 hours per day sitting and 448 spent 10.5 hours or more sitting.

The analysis found that sitting more than 12 hours a day was associated with a 38% increased risk of death compared with eight hours a day, but only for those who did less than 22 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

However, the researchers explained that the study has limitations, including the fact that it is observational, meaning it cannot establish cause and effect or repeat measures of physical activity and sedentary behavior over time.