Physicians' Academy for Cardiovascular Education

Higher proportion vigorous physical activity associated with lower mortality

Association of Physical Activity Intensity With Mortality A National Cohort Study of 403 681 US Adults

Literature - Wang Y, Nie J, Ferrari G et al., - JAMA Intern Med 2020, doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.6331

Introduction and methods

The 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend at least 150 to 300 minutes per week of moderate intensity physical activity (MPA), 75 to 150 minutes per week of vigorous intensity physical activity (VPA) or an equivalent combination of MPA and VPA (MVPA) [1]. The recommendation in the guidelines are based on the assumption that for some health outcomes VPA is associated with greater benefits than MPA [1,2]. But it remains unclear whether for the same amount of total MVPA, VPA is associated with greater benefits compared with MPA.

This study investigated whether VPA is associated with greater mortality risk reduction compared with MPA, for the same amount of total physical activity (defined as total MVPA). More specifically, the association of the proportion of VPA to total MVPA with all-cause mortality, CVD mortality and cancer mortality were examined.

Data of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), an annual national cross-sectional survey of civilian participants from the US, from 17 cross-sectional waves conducted from 1997 to 2013 were used. Follow-up was to December 31, 2015. After exclusion of those with missing data on physical activity, those with disabilities or unable to perform moderate of vigorous physical activity, or with diagnosis of heart disease, stroke or cancer at baseline, a total of 403,681 participants were included. Median follow up was 10.1 years (IQR 5.4-14.6).

Physical activity was measured with 2 sets of questions on frequency and duration for light intensity physical activity or MPA; and VPA. Total physical activity (defined as total MVPA in minutes per week) was calculated as MPA (min per week) + [2 x VPA (min per week)]. Proportion of VPA to total physical activity was calculated as follows: VPA x 2/MPVA x 100%.

Main results

Conclusion

In a nationally representative cohort of US adults greater proportion of VPA to MVPA was associated with greater mortality risk reduction. Participants with 150-299 min per week of MPA and 150 min per week or more of VPA had the lowest all-cause mortality risk. The authors suggest that clinicians and public health interventions should advise on the potential benefits associated with VPA to maximize population health.

References

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Find this article online at JAMA Intern Med

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