World · Echonomia Post
Walking at a quicker pace could offer identical health benefits to longer, more leisurely strolls, according to a new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. While many people believe they should aim for 10,000 steps per day, the study indicates that walking intensity is also important. Researchers monitored nearly 65,000 individuals with an average age of 61 for seven days using activity trackers.
They found that taking 80 steps per minute while completing fewer than 5,000 steps per day provided health benefits comparable to those of 5,000–7,500 steps at a slower pace of 60 steps per minute. Over eight years, 1,697 participants died from any cause, and 502 died from cardiovascular disease. The study revealed that higher stepping pace (at least 80 steps per minute) with fewer than 5,000 steps daily was associated with a substantially lower risk of death, similar to those logging 5,000–7,500 steps at a slower pace.
Maintaining a higher pace for at least 30 minutes per day was linked to progressively lower risk of death from any cause among those accumulating fewer than 7,500 steps/day. The study also found that 7,500–10,000 steps per day offered the lowest risk of early death, irrespective of pace. Emily McGrath, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, emphasized that increasing walking pace could be as beneficial as increasing step count.
Juliet Bouverie, chief executive of the Stroke Association, highlighted that these findings align with existing evidence that physical activity intensity matters alongside volume to prevent conditions like stroke. She advised stroke survivors to follow healthcare professional advice and maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce stroke risk.
Source: The Independent
