October 28, 2013

expert reaction to non-exercise physical activity and cardiovascular health

Research in the British Journal of Sports Medicine suggested DIY and gardening can cut heart attack/stroke risk by 30% and prolong life in those over 60.

Dr Gavin Sandercock, Reader in Sport and Exercise Science, University of Essex, said:

“’This study is excellent news for large swathes of the population who might not want to run, swim or go to the gym because it clearly shows that even moderate, non-exercise activity like gardening benefits the health of older adults. We must be careful when generalising of course, because older adults tend to be less fit, so gardening represents relatively hard exercise for them.  We still need to promote moderate or vigorous exercise like fast walking, running, swimming and cycling in younger people. While the amounts reported here are okay for older people, children still need to do an hour of activity every day to be healthy and that needs to be hard enough to make them breathe hard and preferably feel hot.”

Dr Tim Chico, Senior Clinical Lecturer and honorary Consultant Cardiologist, University of Sheffield/Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, said:

“This study emphasises the importance of physical activity for prevention of cardiovascular disease rather than simply focusing on sport or dedicated exercise sessions. Although studies like this cannot prove that physical activity reduces risk of heart disease, it is clear from this and similar surveys that the more active a person is (in the broadest sense) the less likely they are to develop heart disease in the years to come.

“Although this study only examined people aged 60, it is reasonable to assume that the more active someone is throughout their life, the lower their risk of cardiovascular disease.

“The message I take from this study is simple. If you want to reduce your risk of heart disease, be more active. Don’t sit down for long periods; get up on your feet and do something you enjoy that involves moving around.”

‘The importance of non-exercise physical activity for cardiovascular health and longevity’ by Elin Ekblom-Bak et al. published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine on Monday 28 October 2013.