Objectively-Measured Light-Intensity Physical Activity and Risk of Cancer Mortality: A Meta-analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies

Abstract

Background: The impact of light-intensity physical activity (LPA) in preventing cancer mortality has been questioned. To address this concern, the present meta-analysis aimed to quantify the association between objectively-measured LPA and risk of cancer mortality. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed and Scopus to January 2020. Prospective cohort studies reporting the association between objectively-measured LPA using activity monitors (e.g., accelerometers) and risk of cancer mortality in the general population were included. The summary hazard ratios (HR) per 30 min/day of LPA and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were obtained using a random-effects model. Dose–response analysis was used to plot their relationship. Results: Five prospective cohort studies were included, in which the definition of LPA based on accelerometer readings was mainly set within 100 to 2,100 counts/min. The summary HR for cancer mortality per 30 min/day of LPA was 0.86 (95% CI, 0.79–0.95; I2 < 1%), and the association between LPA and risk reduction in cancer mortality was linearly shaped (Pnonlinearity = 0.72). LPA exhibited a comparable magnitude of risk reduction in cancer mortality of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity regardless of equal time-length (0.87 per 30 min/day vs. 0.94 per 30 min/day, Pinteraction = 0.46) or equal amount (0.74 vs. 0.94 per 150 metabolic equivalents-min/day, Pinteraction = 0.11). Furthermore, replacing sedentary time by LPA of 30 min/day decreased the risk of cancer mortality by 9%. Conclusions: Objectively-measured LPA conferred benefits in decreasing the risk of cancer mortality. Impact: LPA should be considered in physical activity guidelines to decrease the risk of cancer mortality.

Accelerometer-measured light-intensity physical activity and the risk of cardiovascular disease or death in older adults: A meta-analysis

“…For this population, LPA may represent a desirable alternative. Together with the evidence that LPA could help to reduce the risk of all-cause and cancer death in older adults [26,31] and given that increased LPA is associated with improved cognitive functioning [32] and a better profile of cardiometabolic control [33], our findings suggest that LPA should be routinely recommended for older adults, and advice on how to promote LPA (e.g., using pedometers to increase daily physical activity [34]) should be integrated into clinical practice.…”

Prevalent diabetes and risk of total, colorectal, prostate and breast cancers in an ageing population: meta-analysis of individual participant data from cohorts of the CHANCES consortium

“…However, sensitivity analysis revealed similar associations with total cancer when subdividing cohorts by diabetes ascertainment (self-reported vs. documented). We also cannot exclude the possibility of residual confounding from unmeasured confounding factors, including diet, blood lipid concentrations and blood pressure, and by incomplete adjustment for physical activity, because both moderate-to-vigorous and light-intensity physical activity have also been shown to reduce cancer mortality (44) and the risk of breast ( 45) and total cancer (46).…”

Changes in Physical Fitness during COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown among Adolescents: A Longitudinal Study

“…However, even in the non-epidemic period, in many countries, 80% or more adolescents do not meet the current World Health Organization physical activity recommendations [ 9 ]. A survey of 187 countries showed that physical activity during COVID-19 decreased compared to normal [ 10 ], which may have implications on health, such as increased risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ]. Compared to these potential risks that are easily ignored, the decline of physical fitness caused by physical inactivity can be evaluated and observed more directly.…”