The study, published Wednesday by the University of Sydney, found that an average of four minutes per day of vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (VILPA) was associated with a lower risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart attack, for middle-aged women. significantly reduces Xinhua News Agency reported.
It found that women aged 40-79 who did not engage in regular structured exercise but did an average of 3.4 minutes of VILPA per day were 45 percent less likely to experience heart disease than those who did not. had those who did not VILPA.
Emanuel Stamatakis, lead author of the study, said daily occasional vigorous activity completed in short intervals of up to one minute improved heart health outcomes in middle-aged women.
“Making short intervals of vigorous physical activity a lifestyle habit may be a promising option for women who are unwilling or unable to do structured exercise,” they said in a media release. ”
“As a starting point, it can be as simple as adding a few minutes of activity throughout the day such as taking the stairs, shopping, walking upstairs, playing tag with a child or pet, Either climbing or power walking.”
The study is based on data from 22,368 participants in the United Kingdom (UK) Biobank study who wore physical activity trackers between 2013 and 2015.
Cardiovascular health was monitored through hospital and mortality records until November 2022.
Female participants who used VILPA for an average of 3.4 minutes per day were 51 percent less likely to have a heart attack and 67 percent less likely to have heart failure than those who did not take VILPA.
At least 1.2 minutes of VILPA per day is associated with a 30 percent lower risk of total major cardiovascular events, a 33 percent lower risk of heart attack, and a 40 percent lower risk of heart failure.
Men experienced fewer health benefits from VILPA. Those who averaged 5.6 minutes per day had a 16 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease than those who did not.