Associations of aerobic, muscle-strengthening activities with mortality

Editor's Note

This study led by researchers in Spain examines the optimal combination of moderate aerobic physical activities, vigorous aerobic physical activity, and muscle-strengthening activity to reduce all-cause cardiovascular and cancer mortality.

Using data from the US National Health Interview Survey, a total of 500,705 participants were included in the analysis, with a median follow-up of 10 years.

Compared with those doing no moderate or vigorous aerobic physical activity and less than recommended muscle-strengthening activity, the lowest hazard ratio for all-cause mortality was the weekly combination of:

• more than 0 to 75 minutes of moderate aerobic activity
• more than 150 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity
• 2 or more muscle strengthening sessions.

The optimal weekly combinations for cardiovascular mortality risk reductions were:

• more than 150 to 225 minutes of moderate aerobic activity
• more than 0 to 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity
• 2 or more muscle strengthening sessions.

The optimal weekly combinations for cancer mortality risk reductions were:

• more than 300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity
• more than 0 to 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity
• 2 or more muscle strengthening sessions.

The researchers conclude that balanced levels of moderate and vigorous aerobic activity and muscle strengthening activity combined may be associated with reductions in mortality risk. Higher levels of moderate and vigorous aerobic activity may further lower the risk of cancer and all-cause mortality, respectively.