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Don't be discouraged for those who're not a quick walker. A recent study shows that total each day steps – and never what number of steps you're taking per minute – are related to a lower risk of death. The results were published within the March 24/31, 2020 issue. Jama.
Researchers examined data from 4,840 people, with a median age of 57, who participated within the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Participants wore an accelerometer — a tool that measures movement, including the variety of steps taken per minute — about 14 hours a day for a median of 5.7 days. The people were then followed for 10 years.
The results showed that taking 8,000 to 12,000 steps per day was related to lower rates of death throughout the study period, including cancer and heart disease, compared with 4,000 steps per day. However, the researchers also found that amongst high steppers, a better rate per minute didn't further reduce their risk.
The authors note that additional research is required to explore this association. Still, it seems that the first focus must be on taking enough steps per day, not on the pace of those steps.
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