Cardio fitness strongly linked to long-term health

New research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine has revealed that high cardiorespiratory fitness can reduce the risk of mortality and morbidity by almost 20%. The study, led by the University of South Australia (UniSA), analyzed data from over 20 million observations from around 200 unique cohort studies to investigate the link between cardiorespiratory fitness and health outcomes among adults.

The researchers found that for every 1-MET increase in cardiorespiratory fitness, the risk of death can be reduced by 11-17%, with the risk of heart disease reduced by 18%. This highlights the importance of regular aerobic exercise, such as running, cycling, or swimming, in increasing long-term health and life expectancy.

Co-author and UniSA Professor Grant Tomkinson emphasized the significance of cardiorespiratory fitness for overall health, stating that it is strongly associated with various health outcomes including heart failure, depression, diabetes, dementia, and cancer. The study also showed that individuals with low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness are more likely to die early or develop chronic conditions like heart disease later in life.

With an estimated 11.6 million Australians living with chronic conditions, the findings underscore the importance of preventive healthcare and lifestyle interventions. Encouraging regular exercise and good eating habits, as well as other lifestyle measures, can significantly improve health outcomes and reduce the burden of disease.

Lead author Dr. Justin Lang emphasized the need for healthcare providers to assess cardiorespiratory fitness routinely and initiate exercise programs aimed at increasing fitness levels. The study serves as a timely reminder of the importance of fitness as a strong marker of health, with the authors urging individuals to engage in moderate physical activity to reduce their risk of disease and premature death.