New research suggests that exercising for up to 610 minutes weekly, approximately four times the current recommendation, could offer optimal heart benefits. This finding challenges the established guideline for adults to undertake at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity each week.
Study Details
The study, from Macao Polytechnic University using data from over 17,000 middle-aged British adults, found that meeting current guidelines reduced heart event odds by 8-9 per cent, while 560-610 minutes reduced risk by over 30 per cent. Researchers concluded that optimal cardiovascular protection may require substantially higher activity volumes than currently recommended.
Expert Reactions
However, commentators warn that advising over an hour and 20 minutes of daily exercise is not a sensible public health message, urging continued adherence to the 150-minute target, with more being better.
In full, experts reveal the amount of weekly exercise needed to achieve ‘optimal’ heart benefits.
