Australian Research Reveals Short Bursts of Exercise Can Significantly Lower Cardiovascular Risks in Women
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Sydney, Dec 4 (NationPress) An Australian study has revealed that short, intense bursts of daily physical activity could lower the likelihood of serious cardiovascular events in middle-aged women by nearly half.
The findings, published this Wednesday by the University of Sydney, indicate that an average of just four minutes of vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (VILPA) daily can substantially diminish the risk of major cardiovascular issues, such as heart attacks, among middle-aged women, according to Xinhua news agency.
The research showed that women aged 40 to 79 who did not regularly participate in structured exercise but managed to average 3.4 minutes of VILPA each day were 45% less likely to experience a significant cardiovascular event compared to those who engaged in no VILPA.
Emmanuel Stamatakis, the lead author of the research, stated that daily incidental vigorous activities, performed in brief bursts lasting up to one minute, have been shown to enhance heart health outcomes in middle-aged women.
"Incorporating short bursts of vigorous physical activity into everyday routines could be a beneficial strategy for women who are not inclined towards structured workouts or are unable to participate for various reasons," he mentioned in a media release.
"As a starting point, it could be as straightforward as integrating a few minutes of activities throughout the day, such as climbing stairs, carrying groceries, walking uphill, playing tag with a child or pet, or engaging in uphill or power walking."
The study utilized data from 22,368 participants in the UK Biobank study, who wore physical activity trackers between 2013 and 2015.
Cardiovascular health outcomes were monitored through hospital and mortality records up to November 2022.
Female participants averaging 3.4 minutes of VILPA daily were found to be 51% less likely to suffer a heart attack and 67% less likely to develop heart failure compared to those who did not engage in VILPA.
Even a minimum of 1.2 minutes of VILPA each day was linked to a 30% reduction in the risk of total major cardiovascular events, a 33% decrease in heart attack risk, and a 40% lower risk of heart failure.
In contrast, men experienced fewer health benefits from VILPA; those who averaged 5.6 minutes a day were only 16% less likely to encounter a major cardiovascular event compared to those who did not engage in VILPA.
