Four to five minutes of vigorous physical activity per day could significantly reduce the risk of cancer among inactive individuals, according to a new study published in the journal JAMA Oncology. Researchers from the University of Sydney analyzed data from 22,398 non-exercising adults, averaging 62 years of age, who wore activity trackers for a seven-day period. The study found that engaging in daily vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity for an average of 4.5 minutes per day reduced the risk of “physical activity-related cancer incidence” by 32%. Participants who exercised for 3.4 to 3.6 minutes per day had a 17% to 18% reduced risk of cancer. The study excluded individuals with a previous cancer diagnosis and controlled for various factors including age, BMI, heart disease history, sleep habits, diet, family cancer history, and smoking status. Lead author Emmanuel Stamatakis, a professor at the University of Sydney, stated that short bursts of intense physical activity, such as climbing stairs or carrying heavy grocery bags, were linked to a reduction in cancer risk. The study highlights the potential impact of incorporating brief and sporadic bouts of vigorous physical activity into daily living, and further research is needed to establish a robust cause-and-effect relationship.
Four to Five Minutes of Intense Exercise Can Significantly Reduce Cancer Risk, New Study Finds
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