A new study done by researchers across the U.S found that 7,000 steps a day can reduce the risk of death in middle-aged people by 70%. The previously recommended steps a day were 10,000.
The number of steps is the measure of a person’s daily physical activities. Health gadgets worn on the arm, wrists, or belts help people track their physical activity by estimating the number of steps they take.
How researchers conducted the study
The researchers gathered 2110 adults between 38 and 50 years old who wore accelerometers between 2005-2006. They then followed them for about 11 years. The volunteers took about 7,000 steps in a day. Scientists found that these people were not likely to die in the next ten years.
The mortality rate among black people fell by 70% and 63% in white people compared to people who led inactive lifestyles. In addition, the mortality rate among women dropped by 72% and 58% among men.
According to Dr. Amanda Baluch, a lead study author from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, the team found that 7,000 steps reduced mortality rates among all groups of people in their middle ages.
Taking 7,000 steps can take about 70 minutes in a day. On the other hand, 10,000 steps take 2 hours to complete. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), people should do 75 minutes of vigorous exercise or 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week. Regular exercise goes a long way in improving health. It lowers the risk of diabetes, .some types of cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
Other studies have shown that steps can improve health
This study is one of many that shows how increasing steps can improve people’s health. For example, another study in Norway discovered that increasing steps among unfit populations reduce the mortality rate by 57%. Other U.S studies have found that 4,000 steps a day can lower death rates by 30%.
Researchers think that this study could be important to cardiac health as wearable monitoring systems become an essential tool in managing and preventing chronic diseases. In addition, estimating steps using such devices could encourage more physical activity. Moreover, most people see walking as a tolerable activity.
Researchers also found that taking more than 10,000 steps could increase mortality rates.
