Walkers rejoice! A brand new study suggests walking at a brisk pace may lower your risk for heart disease as much as a good long run can.
Researchers in California analyzed self reported data from over 33,000 runners and more than 15,000 walkers, assessing walking and running by distance, not time. Study participants were 18 to 80 years old.
Surprisingly, the data proved the same energy used for a vigorous run and a moderately intense walk resulted in similar risk reductions for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Running reduced risk for hypertension 4.2%, while walking reduced risk by 7.2%. Running reduced high cholesterol 4.3%, while walking improved levels by 7%.
As for diabetes, it was a virtual tie: 12.1% compared to 12.3% for walking. Running reduced coronary heart disease 4.5% compared to 9.3% for walking.
And another finding: The more the runners ran and the walkers walked, the more heart health benefits received.
I'm Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV with news from today that can lead to healthy tomorrows.
News Source
No comments:
Post a Comment