In a recent investigation conducted by scholars from Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital, it was discovered that both step-count and time-based exercise objectives are equally effective in reducing risks of heart disease and premature death. The study examined data on healthy women aged 62 and above who utilized wearable devices to monitor their physical activity, and subsequently assessed their health outcomes. The outcomes of this study, which were published in JAMA Internal Medicine, indicated that higher levels of physical activity, whether in terms of exercise duration or step counts, were correlated with substantial decreases in mortality and cardiovascular disease. These findings challenge the prevailing physical activity guidelines, which predominantly focus on activity length and intensity and lack step-based recommendations.
The current U.S. guidelines propose that adults partake in a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week. Nevertheless, with the prevalence of wearables and fitness-tracking platforms, step count has become a widespread metric in gauging physical activity. As a result, researchers endeavored to compare the efficacy of time-based goals versus step-based ones in promoting improved health outcomes. The investigation accrued data from 14,399 healthy women aged 62 and older, who wore research-grade wearables for seven continuous days to document their physical activity levels. It was disclosed that both time-based and step-based gauges of physical activity were associated with reduced risks of death and cardiovascular disease. The most active quarter of women had a 30-40% decreased risk compared to the least active quarter.
Lead author Rikuta Hamaya underscored the significance of providing diverse methods to achieve physical activity objectives, as movement varies for each individual. While step counts are easy to measure and capture everyday activities, they may not accommodate disparities in fitness levels. Conversely, time-based measurements may be simpler for monitoring exercise duration, but they may not accurately record all forms of movement. This study highlights the need for adaptability in establishing physical activity goals that are suitable for individuals with varying inclinations, capabilities, and lifestyles.
It is imperative to acknowledge that this study was observational, and additional research is necessary to establish causal connections. The authors also recognized that the study predominantly comprised of white women with higher socioeconomic status, hence more diverse data is essential for a comprehensive comprehension of the connection between physical activity metrics and health outcomes. Despite its constraints, this research represents a significant stride towards reassessing and possibly revising the federal physical activity guidelines, which are scheduled for revision in 2028.
In summary, the study’s findings indicate the importance of integrating step-based targets in physical activity guidelines to accommodate the diversity of individuals’ movement patterns and inclinations. This research has the potential to influence future revisions to the guidelines and promote more comprehensive recommendations that cater to a broader spectrum of individuals.
This article is republished with permission from The Harvard Gazette.