| A study has shown that taking 3,000 to 500 more steps per day can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in the elderly by 14%. (Photo = DB) |
[메디컬투데이=최재백 기자] Excessive walking has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in older adults.
According to the American Heart Association’s Scientific Study of Epidemiology and Prevention and Cardiometabolic Health, the American Heart Association’s Scientific Study of Cardiometabolic Health and Epidemiology found that every extra 3,000 to 500 steps a day could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in older adults by 14%. Sessions 2023)’.
A recent research team explained that walking more than 3,000 steps a day can have health benefits, and that every extra 500 steps can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in people over 70 by 14%.
The research team conducted a study on 452 participants who took part in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study.
Participants had an average age of 78 years, 59% were female, 20% were black, and 70% were female. The research team measured the participants’ daily walking with an accelerometer worn around their waists, and observed the participants’ cardiovascular health for 3.5 years.
Among the participants who walked less than 2,000 steps during the observation period, 12% developed cardiovascular disease, and only 3.5% of the participants who walked closer to 4,500 steps developed the disease.
Similar to this study, other recent studies have shown that 11 minutes a day (or 75 minutes a week) of moderate-to-vigorous exercise, such as hiking or dancing, can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and some. cancer
The research team explained that brisk walking rather than moderate to high intensity exercise is a realistic and effective option for sustained weight loss with less physical stress.
They reported that walking exercise is important for the bone health of the elderly and is effective in reducing risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease because it helps control blood pressure and blood sugar, weight loss, and moderate stress.
Experts noted that walking in particular can lower blood pressure, and explained that this could reduce the risk of stroke and reduce the pressure in the blood flow to the brain.
They then recommended walking between 4,000 and 7,000 steps a day during the week and increasing the number of steps to 10,000 at weekends if possible.
Meanwhile, the research team mentioned that in this study, it was not known whether walking exercise improved the health of the participants or whether the health status of the participants affected the number of steps they could realistically walk.
In addition, as a result of this study, it was advised to gradually increase the number of steps, noting that increasing the number of steps quickly could cause musculoskeletal injuries.
Today’s Medical Correspondent Jaebaek Choi (jaebaekchoi@naver.com)
[저작권자ⓒ 메디컬투데이. 무단전재-재배포 금지]
