Research
Mixed
Long-term engagement in intentional physical activity is negatively associated with the incidence of non-communicable diseases, including coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and dementia, in healthy adults.
Engage in regular, intentional physical activity throughout adulthood to significantly lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and dementia. You do not need elite-level training; consistent moderate activity (like brisk walking) is sufficient to yield long-term health benefits.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
The results of these studies show that physical activity appears to have a positive long-term influence on all selected diseases.
Why this rating
Systematic review of 15 longitudinal studies with large sample sizes (total >288k subjects) and long follow-up (>5 years).
Source
Long-term health benefits of physical activity – a systematic review of longitudinal studies
Miriam Reiner et al. · BMC Public Health · 2013
systematic_review · n=288724Cited 1,464×
Read the paper This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →