Vigorously Vital

Whereas the World Health Organization (WHO) currently recommends for adults to complete at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, many of us fail to do so.  Findings of as large-scale Australian study may inspire many of us to change our sedentary habits.  Klaus Gebel from James Cook University (Australia), and colleagues analyzed data collected on 204,542 adults, ages 45 to 75 years, enrolled in Australia’s 45 and Up study, following the subjects for an average of 6.5 years.  The team classified participants into three groups: those who reported that none of their physical activity was at a vigorous level, and those who reported that up to 30% or more of their activity was at a vigorous level.  The mortality rate for those who reported up to 30% vigorous activity, was 9% lower than those who reported no vigorous activity. For those whose exercise routine was vigorous for more than 30% of the time, the rate of mortality was reduced by 13%.  Observing: “an inverse dose-response relationship between proportion of vigorous activity and mortality,” the study authors submit that: ‘Our findings suggest that vigorous activities should be endorsed in clinical and public health activity guidelines to maximize the population benefits of physical activity.”