Walking at a quicker pace could offer identical health benefits to longer, more leisurely strolls, according to a new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. While many people believe they should aim for 10,000 steps per day, the study indicates that walking intensity is also important. Researchers monitored nearly 65,000 individuals for seven days to evaluate how walking influences all-cause mortality risk.
Participants were divided into four step categories: 0–5,000 steps, 5,000–7,500 steps, 7,500–10,000 steps, and more than 10,000 steps. Scientists recorded each participant’s fastest sustained stepping rate during their most active half hour. The study found that those achieving a higher stepping pace (at least 80 steps per minute) but fewer than 5,000 daily steps had a substantially lower risk of death compared to those taking 5,000–7,500 steps at a slower pace (60 steps per minute).
This trend was observed for both all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease risk. Maintaining a higher pace for at least 30 minutes per day was associated with progressively lower risk of death among those accumulating fewer than 7,500 steps/day. The study concluded that 7,500–10,000 steps per day offered the lowest risk of early death, irrespective of pace.
Emily McGrath, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, emphasized that increasing walking pace could be as beneficial as increasing step volume. Juliet Bouverie, chief executive of the Stroke Association, highlighted the importance of physical activity alongside a healthy lifestyle to prevent conditions like stroke, stressing the role of monitoring blood pressure and following medical advice for stroke survivors.
Source: The Independent
