A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that regular fast walking may help lower mortality risk, particularly among low-income and Black individuals. The research focused on 79,856 participants who provided information on their daily walking habits, including speed and time.
The results showed that fast walking was associated with a 20% decrease in mortality, with the most pronounced effect seen in those who walked at speeds of 3-4 miles per hour or faster. Slow walking, defined as walking at speeds below 2 miles per hour, was not significantly associated with lower mortality risk.
The study’s authors noted that previous research had highlighted the importance of physical activity for overall health, but limited data existed on low-income and Black populations. The study aimed to fill this knowledge gap by exploring the relationship between daily walking and mortality in a diverse sample of participants.
Key findings included:
* Fast walking was associated with a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, particularly ischemic heart disease.
* Participants who did not smoke and had higher incomes showed stronger associations between fast walking and reduced mortality risk.
* Slow walking for extended periods (over 3 hours) was not significantly associated with lower mortality risk.
Experts weighed in on the study’s implications, cautioning that while the results were promising, further research is needed to confirm similar findings in other populations. Cardiologist Patrick Kee noted that brisk walking may serve as a proxy for overall physical fitness rather than an independent driver of improved outcomes. Nevertheless, the study emphasizes the benefits of regular fast walking and suggests tailoring recommendations to individual needs.
The researchers acknowledge limitations, including reliance on self-reported data and potential biases related to participant demographics and lifestyle factors. However, they argue that the findings can inform personalized medicine approaches and help improve health outcomes in vulnerable populations.
Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/pick-up-the-pace-to-live-longer-new-study-suggests