A recent cohort study of over 2,000 adults (mean age approx. 45) over approximately 11 years of follow-up investigated the association of step count with mortality.
This study found that those participants taking at least 7,000 steps per day compared to those taking fewer steps had a 50%-70% lower risk of mortality. They did not find an association with step intensity.
Another recent study investigated the dose-response association between daily step count and intensity and the incidence of all-cause dementia.
Uk based study of >78,000 adults aged 40 to 79 years with approximately 7 years of follow-up. Data from wrist accelerometer and registry-based dementia diagnoses.
Optimal step dose was 9826 steps. Minimal dose was 3826 steps (value at which the risk reduction was 50% of the observed max).
In this study, steps performed at higher intensity (112 steps/min) resulted in stronger associations.
Conclusions: A great exercise goal for middle aged and older adults is just under 10,000 steps per day to decrease risks of both overall mortality and dementia.
References
1) Paluch AE, et al. Steps per Day and All-Cause Mortality in Middle-aged Adults in the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study. JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(9):e2124516.
2) del Pozo Cruz B, et al. Association of Daily Step Count and Intensity With Incident Dementia in 78?430 Adults Living in the UK. JAMA Neurol. Published online September 06, 2022.
