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Running and all-cause cancer/cardiovascular mortality

Title
Running and all-cause cancer/cardiovascular mortality

Research Area
Health 

Author
Pedisic Z et al; BMJ Journals

Summary of Findings
Researchers reviewed journal articles, conference papers and a variety of other studies on the association between participating in jogging and the risk of all-cause cancer and cardiovascular mortality in non-clinical adult populations. Fourteen studies from six cohorts were included, with an aggregated sample of 232,149. In total, 25,951 deaths were recorded. The meta-analysis that the researchers conducted indicated that running participation is associated with between 23%-30% lower risk of all cause cancer and cardiovascular mortality , compared with no running. Increased rates of participation in running, regardless of its dose, would probably lead to substantial improvements in population health and longevity. Any amount of running, even just once a week, is better than no running, but higher doses of running may not necessarily be associated with greater mortality benefits.

Implications
This study provides further evidence that some activity is better than no activity and that slight lifestyle adjustments can lead to real improvements in health.