What's Happening?
A new study published in The Lancet suggests that walking 7,000 steps per day is the optimal number for health benefits, according to Professor Melody Ding from the University of Sydney. The study indicates that while walking more than 7,000 steps can still improve health, the benefits plateau at this number. Previous research showed that walking as few as 3,867 steps daily reduces the risk of all-cause mortality. The study is broader in scope than previous analyses, including a larger number of studies and focusing on step count rather than minutes of activity, which is easier for the public to track using modern pedometers and fitness trackers.
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Why It's Important?
The findings are significant for public health as they provide a clear, achievable target for daily physical activity, which can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, improve depressive symptoms, and lower the risk of diabetes. This research could influence public health guidelines and encourage more people to incorporate walking into their daily routines. The study's focus on step count rather than minutes of activity makes it more accessible for individuals to monitor their physical activity levels, potentially leading to better health outcomes.
What's Next?
Future research may focus on cadence, or the number of steps taken per minute, to determine an ideal walking speed for health benefits. This could provide additional guidance for individuals seeking to optimize their walking routines. The field is still determining which metrics are most relevant to health outcomes, and further studies could refine these recommendations.
