Do Moderate‐Intensity and Vigorous‐Intensity Physical Activities Reduce Mortality Rates to the Same Extent?

Abstract

BackgroundLimited data exist directly comparing the relative benefits of moderate‐ and vigorous‐intensity activities with all‐cause and cardiovascular (CV) disease mortality rates when controlling for physical activity volume.Methods and ResultsWe followed 7979 men (Harvard Alumni Health Study, 1988–2008) and 38 671 women (Women's Health Study, 1992–2012), assessing their physical activity and health habits through repeated questionnaires. Over a mean follow‐up of 17.3 years in men and 16.4 years in women, there were 3551 deaths (1077 from CV disease) among men and 3170 deaths (620 from CV disease) among women. Those who met or exceeded an equivalent of the federal guidelines recommendation of at least 150 minutes of moderate‐intensity activity, 75 minutes of vigorous‐intensity activity, or a combination of the 2 that expended similar energy experienced significantly lower all‐cause and CV disease–related mortality rates (men, 28% to 36% and 31% to 34%, respectively; women: 38% to 55% and 22% to 44%, respectively). When comparing different combinations of moderate‐ and vigorous‐intensity activity and all‐cause mortality rates, we observed sex‐related differences. Holding constant the volume of moderate‐ to vigorous‐intensity physical activity, men experienced a modest additional benefit when expending a greater proportion of moderate‐ to vigorous‐intensity physical activity in vigorous‐intensity activities (Ptrend=0.04), but women did not (Ptrend<0.001). Moderate‐ to vigorous‐intensity physical activity composition was not associated with further cardiovascular mortality rate reductions in either men or women.ConclusionsThe present data support guidelines recommending 150 minutes of moderate‐intensity activity per week, 75 minutes of vigorous‐intensity activity per week, or an equivalent combination for mortality benefits. Among men, but not women, additional modest reductions in all‐cause mortality rates are associated with a greater proportion of moderate‐ to vigorous‐intensity physical activity performed at a vigorous intensity.

Physical activity, physical fitness and prevention: Role for the working population

“…The results of all studies confirm a non-linear relationship (Shiroma et al, 2014). The most significant relative decrease of mortality occurs from sedentary lifestyle or inactive phase to low or moderate intensity of physical activity.…”

“…In healthy subjects, growing levels of both physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with a significant reduction (20 -30 %) in risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, in anon-linear dose-response fashion (Löllgen et al, 2009, Shiroma et al, 2014 The evidence suggests that risk of dy-ing during a given period continues to decline with increasing levels of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness. This is true for both men and women and across a broad range of ages from childhood to the very elderly.…”

Even a low-dose of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity reduces mortality by 22% in adults aged ≥60 years: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Few of them assessed the MVPA 19 29 33 41 45 46 49 50–57. However, most of the physical activity guidelines are the same for middle-aged adults and older adults 2 3…”

Physical Activity and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Generally Healthy Women

“…As stated previously [20], physical activity expressed in metabolic equivalents (METs) per week was estimated in each study participant. Participants were classified into four groups according to METs per week: sedentary (<7.5 METs/week), light (7.5-14.9 METs/ week), moderate (15-29.9 METs/week) and heavy activity lifestyle (30+METs/week) [21]. Vigorous activities were defined as requiring MET values ≥6, and included jogging (>10 minutes per mile), running (≤10 minutes per mile), bicycling, swimming, tennis, squash or racquetball, and other vigorous activities (i.e., lawn mowing).…”