A recent study by the University of South Australia has revealed a significant link between regular cardio exercise and death and diseases.
The research, which has been published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, shows that enhanced cardio exercise can reduce the chance of death from all causes by 11-17% and reduce the risk of heart disease by 18%.
The study is the first of its kind to gather all scientific evidence examining the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and adult health, summarising 26 systematic reviews and representing over 20.9 million observations from 199 unique cohort studies.
Professor Grant Tomkinson, a senior author from UniSA, explains the significance of CRF in maintaining health.
“Cardiorespiratory fitness, or your capability to engage in aerobic activities such as running, cycling, and swimming for extended periods, is crucial for good health,” Prof. Grant Tomkinson said.
The research indicates enhanced CRF is strongly connected to lower rates of premature death and diseases including heart failure, depression, diabetes, dementia, and cancer.
According to the study, even a slight 1-MET increase in CRF can reduce the risk of early death from any cause by 11-17% and from heart failure by 18%.
“It’s clear: more aerobic exercise significantly diminishes your risk of early death and various diseases. Conversely, neglecting exercise could deteriorate your health,” Prof. Tomkinson added.
The study was conducted in collaboration with researchers from the Public Health Agency of Canada, the University of Granada, the University of Ottawa, and the University of Northern British Columbia.
Dr. Justin Lang, lead author from the Public Health Agency of Canada and an Adjunct Professor at UniSA, emphasised the need for routine CRF assessment in clinical and public health practices.
“Increasing fitness through moderate physical activity, like brisk walking for at least 150 minutes a week, can make a meaningful difference. It’s essential that this is not just an individual endeavour but also supported through regular health assessments which can guide appropriate exercise recommendations,” Dr. Lang said.
The study overall reinforces the importance of exercise in managing and preventing chronic conditions which, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, affect approximately 47% of Australians, contributing to two-thirds of the country’s disease crisis.
For more information on the study, click here.
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