New research published in Nature Medicine has found that 3-4x one-minute bursts of vigorous activity during daily tasks is associated with large reductions in the risk of premature death, particularly from cardiovascular disease.
The study was led by the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre and is said to be the first study to accurately measure the health benefits of ‘vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity’ or VILPA.
“Our study shows similar benefits to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can be achieved through increasing the intensity of incidental activities done as part of daily living, and the more the better,” said lead author Emmanuel Stamatakis, Professor of Physical Activity, Lifestyle and Population Health at the University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre.
“A few very short bouts totalling 3-4 minutes a day could go a long way, and there are many daily activities that can be tweaked to raise your heart rate for a minute or so.”
The majority of adults aged 40 and over don’t take part in regular exercise or sport, but Professor Stamatakis says this study reveals how incidental physical activity can overcome many barriers.
“Upping the intensity of daily activities requires no time commitment, no preparation, no club memberships, no special skills.
“It simply involves stepping up the pace while walking or doing the housework with a bit more energy,” he said.
For more information, visit: nature.com/articles/s41591-022-02100-x
