Leisure-Time Running Reduces All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality Risk

Abstract

Background Although running is a popular leisure-time physical activity, little is known about the long-term effects of running on mortality. The dose-response relations between running, as well as the change in running behaviors over time and mortality remain uncertain. Objectives We examined the associations of running with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risks in 55,137 adults, aged 18 to 100 years (mean age, 44). Methods Running was assessed on the medical history questionnaire by leisure-time activity. Results During a mean follow-up of 15 years, 3,413 all-cause and 1,217 cardiovascular deaths occurred. Approximately, 24% of adults participated in running in this population. Compared with non-runners, runners had 30% and 45% lower adjusted risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, respectively, with a 3-year life expectancy benefit. In dose-response analyses, the mortality benefits in runners were similar across quintiles of running time, distance, frequency, amount, and speed, compared with non-runners. Weekly running even <51 minutes, <6 miles, 1-2 times, <506 metabolic equivalent-minutes, or <6 mph was sufficient to reduce risk of mortality, compared with not running. In the analyses of change in running behaviors and mortality, persistent runners had the most significant benefits with 29% and 50% lower risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, respectively, compared with never-runners. Conclusions Running, even 5-10 minutes per day and slow speeds <6 mph, is associated with markedly reduced risks of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease. This study may motivate healthy but sedentary individuals to begin and continue running for substantial and attainable mortality benefits.

Physical Activity, Sedentary Time, and Cardiovascular Disease Biomarkers at Age 60 to 64 Years

“…Physical inactivity is a well‐known risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD)1, 2 and premature mortality from CVD 2, 3, 4. One explanation for these findings is thought to be because of beneficial effects of physical activity (PA) on endothelial function and the relatively less well‐studied biomarkers of atherosclerosis 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12.…”

Physical Activity in the Prevention and Treatment of Coronary Artery Disease

“…However, a high level of cardiovascular fitness can be achieved by structured exercise training 13, 23. These data are supported by the population‐based Copenhagen City Heart Study.…”

“…These benefits could be achieved even at low running distances, frequencies, speeds, and total amounts. The authors concluded that running for even 5 to 10 min/d or 50 min/wk at a low speed of <6 miles/h (<10 km/h) markedly reduces the risk of death 13. However, in subgroups with the highest running intensity, the impact of running on mortality leveled off, whereas other trials even showed a loss of mortality reduction in healthy subjects and patients with CAD with high exercise intensities 10, 16, 17, 18.…”

“…In conclusion, it seems to be most important to replace sedentary behavior with some physical activity (eg, 5 to 10 minutes of moderate activity per day) 13. Wherever applicable, higher volumes are recommended.…”

Physical Activity Frequency and the Risk of Stroke: A Nationwide Cohort Study in Korea

“…However, more than half the people in the United States and the United Kingdom and even up to 80% of all adults in Asian countries failed to comply with the guideline,7, 8, 9 implying it is not a practical or easily achievable goal for Western societies’ people. Recent studies showed a minimum of 90 min/week of moderate‐intensity exercise or 30 to 59 min/week of vigorous‐intensity exercise are markedly beneficial for all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality 3, 10. We hypothesized that PAs, even below the current recommended level, are effective for preventing a first‐ever stroke.…”