New Study Shows Light Exercise Saves Lives

Tom Jordan, MS, RD

A recent study published online in the Lancet showed that even 15 minutes per day of moderate-intensity exercise is effective at decreasing mortality.

The author of the study, Xifeng Wu, MD reported that "Exercising at very light levels reduced deaths from any cause by 14 percent."  Current recommendations for exercise are 150 minutes per week, however this study shows that significant health improvements can be seen even around 90 minutes per week.

The study analyzed Taiwanese men and women who were assessed between 1996 and 2008.  The average follow up time was 8 years, at which time patients were rated for mortality risk based on health risk factors.  In the group of patients that reported a low volume of exercise (90 minuts per week), life expectancy was 3 years longer and mortality risk was 14% lower than the group with no exercise.

A minimal effect was found at 15 minutes per day, however don't stop there.  For each additional 15 minutes of activity, mortality risk decreased an additional 4%.  These benefits were found in both men and women across all age groups.

"15 min a day or 90 min a week of moderate-intensity exercise might be of benefit, even for individuals at risk of cardiovascular disease," the study authors write.

"The knowledge that as little as 15 min per day of exercise on most days of the week can substantially reduce an individual's risk of dying could encourage many more individuals to incorporate a small amount of physical activity into their busy lives," Drs. Nigam and Juneau write. "Governments and health professionals both have major roles to play to spread this good news story and convince people of the importance of being at least minimally active."

At First Health, we agree that patients should start an exercise program that they are ready for.  That's why we've developed a series of beginner, advanced, and elite exercise programs to meet the needs of any patient.

Lancet.Published online August 16, 2011.

Related Link
The US Department of Health and Human Services Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans is available on their Web site.

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