The relationships between step count and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events: A dose–response meta-analysis

Abstract

Highlights Higher step count is inversely associated with the risk of premature death and cardiovascular events. As measured by accelerometers, 8959 steps/day (Q3) had a 40.36% lower risk of all-cause mortality than 4183 steps/day (Q1). As measured by accelerometers, 9500 steps/day (Q3) had a 35.05% lower risk of cardiovascular events than 3500 steps/day(Q1). These associations were in nonlinear dose–response patterns.

Dose‐response association between step count and cardiovascular disease risk markers in middle‐aged adults

“…Our key findings suggest the shape of the dose‐response curve for most risk markers was L‐shaped, with linear associations up to around 10 000 steps a day. This is in contrast to previous studies on premature mortality that largely demonstrated optimal benefit at 7500 steps a day, 2 albeit for CVD events there continued to be some positive benefits beyond this cut‐point 6 …”

“…However, daily step count has been used as a popular approach to provide relatively simpler physical activity targets for the general public. There has been limited research to empirically examine the shape of the dose‐response curve between step count and health outcomes which may contribute to the absence of formal recommendations on daily number of steps 2–6 . A recent meta‐analysis of 10 cohort studies showed that the association between step count and mortality was L‐shaped, with 8.5% mean risk reduction every 1000 steps/day up to around 7500 steps/day 2 .…”

“…A recent meta‐analysis of 10 cohort studies showed that the association between step count and mortality was L‐shaped, with 8.5% mean risk reduction every 1000 steps/day up to around 7500 steps/day 2 . Another meta‐analysis showed that although the association between step count and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events was non‐linear, there continued to be positive benefits beyond 7500 steps 6 …”

“…There has been limited research to empirically examine the shape of the dose‐response curve between step count and health outcomes which may contribute to the absence of formal recommendations on daily number of steps. 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 A recent meta‐analysis of 10 cohort studies showed that the association between step count and mortality was L‐shaped, with 8.5% mean risk reduction every 1000 steps/day up to around 7500 steps/day. 2 Another meta‐analysis showed that although the association between step count and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events was non‐linear, there continued to be positive benefits beyond 7500 steps.…”

Promoting Physical Activity and Reducing Sedentary Behavior to Prevent Chronic Diseases during the COVID Pandemic and Beyond

“…Panels formed by experts convened by national and international organizations—as well as the 1996 U.S. surgeon General’s report on physical activity and health—have reinforced the scientific evidence that physical activity positively affects various aspects of cardiovascular health [ 19 ]. Due to more than half a century of epidemiological studies, it is now generally undisputed that physically active people present lower risks for developing coronary heart disease compared to those who are inactive, and that physical activity patterns and cardiorespiratory fitness levels are associated with greater health outcomes [ 20 , 21 , 22 ].…”