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SAN DIEGO, CA – Engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity may significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia, stroke, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders, according to preliminary research presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 77th Annual Meeting. The study also found a correlation between prolonged sitting and increased risk of these conditions.
Researchers from Fudan University analyzed data from 73,411 individuals, with an average age of 56, using accelerometer devices to objectively measure their physical activity levels over seven days. The study focused on metabolic equivalents (METs) to quantify energy expenditure, defining moderate to vigorous activity as activities with at least three METs, such as walking or cycling.
The findings revealed that individuals with higher moderate to vigorous physical activity energy expenditure were 14% to 40% less likely to develop the five studied diseases compared to those with lower energy expenditure.
“This research highlights the role of physical activity and sedentary behavior as modifiable factors that may enhance brain health and reduce the incidence of these diseases,” said study author Jia-Yi Wu, MD. “It is promising to think that encouraging people to make these lifestyle changes could potentially lessen the burden of these diseases in the future.”
The study also found a direct correlation between increased sitting time and a higher risk of developing these diseases, with the risk increasing by 5% to 54% compared to those who sat the least.
Participants who did not develop any of the diseases had an average daily moderate to vigorous physical activity energy expenditure of 1.22 kilojoules per kilogram, compared to lower averages among those who developed dementia, sleep disorders, stroke, depression, and anxiety.
“Some previous studies have relied on people reporting on their own levels of activity,” Wu said. “With our large number of participants and the use of devices that provide objective measurements of activity levels, these results will have implications for assessing risk factors and developing interventions to prevent the development of these diseases.”
A limitation of the study is that 96% of the participants were white, potentially limiting the generalizability of the findings to other populations.
Disclaimer: This article is based on preliminary research presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 77th Annual Meeting. Preliminary research has not been peer-reviewed and should be interpreted with caution. While the study suggests a link between physical activity and reduced risk of certain diseases, it does not establish a causal relationship. Individual results may vary. Consult with a healthcare professional before making changes to your physical activity levels, especially if you have existing health conditions. This information should not be considered medical advice.
