A preliminary study reveals that engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity could significantly reduce the likelihood of developing several major health issues, including dementia, stroke, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. The findings will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 77th Annual Meeting in San Diego and online from April 5–9, 2025.
The study also highlighted that increased sedentary behavior, such as prolonged sitting, is associated with a higher risk of these diseases.
“This research underscores the importance of physical activity and minimizing sedentary behavior as modifiable factors that could improve brain health and decrease the incidence of these conditions,” said Dr. Jia-Yi Wu of Fudan University in Shanghai, China, the study’s lead author. “Encouraging people to adopt these lifestyle changes could potentially reduce the future burden of these diseases.”
Researchers analyzed data from 73,411 participants in the United Kingdom with an average age of 56, who wore accelerometers for seven days to track their physical activity, energy expenditure, and sitting time. The study used metabolic equivalents (METs) to measure energy usage, defining moderate to vigorous activity as activities expending at least three METs—equivalent to walking or light cleaning—and higher-intensity exercises like cycling, which can reach around six METs.
The study found that individuals who engaged in moderate to vigorous activity had a 14% to 40% lower risk of developing dementia, stroke, anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders, depending on their activity levels.
On average, those who avoided these diseases had a daily energy expenditure of 1.22 kilojoules per kilogram during moderate to vigorous activity. In comparison, people who developed dementia expended 0.85 kilojoules, those with sleep disorders expended 0.95 kilojoules, stroke sufferers 1.02 kilojoules, and individuals with anxiety and depression 1.08 and 1.10 kilojoules, respectively.
Conversely, the study found that increased sitting time was linked to a 5% to 54% higher risk of developing one of these conditions, compared to individuals who spent less time sitting.
“Unlike previous studies that relied on self-reported activity levels, our research utilized objective measurements through wearable devices, which provides more reliable data on activity levels and associated risks,” Dr. Wu noted. “These findings could shape future strategies for identifying risk factors and creating interventions to prevent these diseases.”
However, the study’s authors cautioned that its findings may not be fully applicable to diverse populations, as 96% of participants were white. Further research is needed to explore the effects in more varied demographic groups.
Related topic:
Zonisamide May Help Reduce Migraines in Children and Teens
Extreme Heat May Accelerate Aging in Older Adults, Study Finds
Senolytic Drugs Show Promise for Improving Cognition in Aging Adults
