Variety in Physical Activity Linked to Lower Risk of Death in Long-Term Study
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A large, long-term study suggests that engaging in a diverse range of physical activities is associated with a lower risk of death. The research, tracking over 100,000 participants for more than 30 years, found that variety in exercise types was linked to a 19% lower risk of death from all causes, independent of total exercise volume. The findings highlight the potential benefits of mixing different forms of exercise beyond simply meeting total activity targets.
Facts First
- A diverse mix of physical activities is linked to a 19% lower risk of death from all causes, after accounting for total exercise levels.
- Walking was the most common form of exercise and was associated with a 17% lower risk of death for those who walked the most.
- Specific activities like tennis, rowing, and weight training were each linked to risk reductions of 13-15%.
- The study analyzed data from over 100,000 participants tracked for more than 30 years via the Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study.
- The benefits of total physical activity appeared to level off after approximately 20 weekly MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) hours.
What Happened
Research published in BMJ Medicine analyzed data from the Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, tracking over 100,000 participants for more than 30 years. Participants reported their exercise habits via questionnaires every two years, detailing activities from walking and cycling to tennis and weight training. During the follow-up period, 38,847 participants died. The analysis found that participants performing the most diverse set of activities had a 19% lower risk of death from all causes, even after accounting for total exercise levels. Those with high activity variety also showed a 13-41% lower risk of death from specific causes like cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Why this Matters to You
If you are trying to improve your health through exercise, this research suggests that mixing up your routine may offer benefits beyond simply logging more total minutes. Incorporating a variety of activities—such as walking, strength training, and sports—could be a more effective strategy for long-term health than focusing on a single type of exercise. This approach may make it easier to stay active over decades, as variety can help maintain interest and reduce the risk of overuse injuries.
What's Next
The researchers noted that the study population was mostly White and that physical activity data was self-reported. Further studies with more diverse populations and objective activity measurements could help confirm these findings. For individuals, the results may encourage a shift in public health messaging from focusing solely on total activity minutes to also promoting activity diversity.