At Least 20 Minutes Of Daily Physical Activity May Offset Higher Risk Of Death From Sitting Too Much, Study Suggests

Forbes Business Breaking At Least 20 Minutes Of Daily Physical Activity May Offset Higher Risk Of Death From Sitting Too Much, Study Suggests Britney Nguyen Forbes Staff I am a reporter on the breaking news team based in New York City. Following Oct 24, 2023, 06:30pm EDT | Press play to listen to this article! Got it! Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Topline A new study from researchers in Norway suggests getting between 20 and 25 minutes of physical activity every day may offset a higher risk of death in adults from sitting for long periods of time, especially during the work day. Two hikers walk together along a trail at Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley, California, .

. . [+] September 5, 2016.

(Photo via Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images). Getty Images Key Facts The research found that getting more than 22 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity a day was associated with a lower risk of death. Researchers included almost 12,000 participants aged 50 or older in the analysis who were monitored with activity trackers for at least two years.

Of the participants, 5,943 people spent less than 10. 5 hours sitting everyday, while 6,042 people sat for 10. 5 hours or more everyday.

Looking at death registries, during an average period of 5 years, 7% of people—805 participants—died: Of that, 357 spent under 10. 5 hours sitting everyday, and 448 sat for 10. 5 hours or more daily.

Among participants who had less than 22 minutes of daily physical activity, the analysis of the activity tracker showed that sitting for over 12 hours a day was associated with a 38% higher risk of death compared to sitting for 8 hours. For participants who spent more than 10. 5 hours a day sitting, an extra 10 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity was associated with a 35% lower risk of death.

Key Background Researchers included individual participant data from four groups of people to determine if physical activity had an effect on the relationship between sitting for long periods of time and higher risks of death, and what amount of physical activity would affect the risk. Participants shared details on factors that could influence the results of the study, such as their sex, weight, smoking history, alcohol intake, and if they had or currently have cardiovascular disease, cancer, or diabetes. The researchers noted that one limit to the study was not being able to repeat measurements of physical activity and hours spent sitting to look for changes over time.

Other influential factors such as participants’ diet and general health weren’t included in the analysis either, and activity trackers were not always able to identify what types of activity participants were doing. Overall, the researchers concluded that even small amounts of moderate to physical activity every day may offset higher risks of death associated with sitting for long periods of time. Crucial Quote “Efforts to promote physical activity may have substantial health benefits for individuals,” Edvard Sagelv, lead author of the study at UiT The Arctic University of Norway.

Further Reading Workout ‘Weekend Warriors’ Just As Healthy As Those Who Exercise Daily, New Study Shows (Forbes) Not Just The Elderly: Intense Physical Activity In Middle Age Improves Cognitive Skills, Study Finds (Forbes) Follow me on Twitter or LinkedIn . Send me a secure tip . Britney Nguyen Editorial Standards Print Reprints & Permissions.