Title: New Meta-Study Delineates Optimal Daily Steps for Health Benefits
Subtitle: Walking 9,000 Steps Cuts Early Death Risk by 60%, Debunking 10,000 Steps Myth
Jala News
A comprehensive new meta-study, which analyzed 12 different studies, has shed light on the number of steps individuals should aim for daily to maximize health benefits. The findings, published in a recent scientific journal, debunk the widely cited goal of walking 10,000 steps per day and emphasize the importance of incremental goals.
According to the collective research of 111,309 individuals who wore fitness trackers, even as few as 2,500 daily steps were found to offer some health benefits. The study showed an 8% decrease in the risk of all-cause death by walking 2,500 steps, while walking 2,700 steps lowered the risk of cardiovascular events by 11%.
However, for optimal health outcomes, experts suggest individuals should target around 9,000 steps daily. This can lead to a remarkable 60% reduction in the risk of early death. For those looking to lower their cardiovascular disease risk, a magic number of approximately 7,000 steps is advised.
Surprisingly, the meta-study discovered that there were diminishing returns at higher step counts. Walking more than 10,000 steps per day was not found to be harmful, but the additional benefits started to plateau at this level. Consequently, the widely propagated ideal of 10,000 steps has been debunked, as it lacks scientific research support.
Intriguingly, the study also identified the role of walking speed in reaping health rewards. It was observed that even slower paces exhibited a decrease in the risk of heart disease. However, walking at a faster pace was associated with a higher reduction in cardiovascular disease risk.
Senior investigator Dr. Thijs M.H. Eijsvogels emphasizes that these step targets are applicable to all individuals, regardless of sex, device type, or where the wearable is placed. Furthermore, experts not involved in the study recommend setting incremental goals to gradually increase step counts over time.
The accessibility of walking makes it a valuable activity for most individuals. The low-impact exercise is easily incorporated into daily routines and can significantly improve health outcomes. However, more research is needed to determine whether walking pace or merely achieving step counts at any pace garners the most benefits.
In conclusion, the new meta-study offers much-needed clarity on daily step counts for optimal health benefits. Walking 9,000 steps allows individuals to reduce the risk of early death by a substantial 60%, overturning the popular notion of 10,000 steps. Regardless of pace, walking provides a range of health advantages, making it an excellent choice for exercise enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
