Researchers found that adults who accumulated most of their daily steps in bouts lasting at least 10 minutes had markedly lower risks of all-cause mortality (up to 80%) and cardiovascular disease (up to 70%) compared with those whose steps were taken in shorter bursts. Using accelerometer data from 33,560 UK Biobank participants averaging fewer than 8,000 steps per day and free of CVD or cancer at baseline, researchers observed that longer, sustained walking sessions correlated with lower event rates over 7.9 years of follow-up. Benefits were greatest among sedentary adults (<5,000 steps/day). The findings suggest that in addition to increasing overall step counts, clinicians should encourage patients—particularly those who are least active—to engage in 10- to 15-minute walking bouts to optimize cardiometabolic and vascular health.

Sources:

Annals of Internal Medicine Original Research

Annals of Internal Medicine Editorial