Longer Daily Walk Improves Heart Health More Than Multiple Short Walks, Study Finds
A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine suggests that a single, longer walk each day provides greater cardiovascular benefits than the same total amount of walking broken into several short strolls, particularly for individuals who are otherwise sedentary. The research adds to a growing body of evidence that the pattern and duration of physical activity can influence heart health outcomes.
The investigators followed a cohort of more than 7,000 adults aged 40 to 75 over a five‑year period. Participants wore accelerometers to record the length and frequency of their daily walking bouts. Researchers classified the data into two groups: those who typically accumulated their walking time in one continuous session of at least 30 minutes, and those who split the same total time into three or more shorter walks.
Analysis revealed that individuals in the longer‑walk group experienced a 15 % lower incidence of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, compared with the short‑walk group. The risk reduction was most pronounced among participants who reported low overall physical activity levels, indicating that extending the duration of a single walk may compensate for a generally inactive lifestyle.
Public‑health officials and independent experts cautioned that while the findings are compelling, they should be integrated with existing guidelines that emphasize total weekly activity. A spokesperson for a national health agency noted that the study supports recommendations for at least 150 minutes of moderate‑intensity exercise per week, but highlighted that arranging the activity in longer, uninterrupted sessions could enhance its protective effect on the heart.
Based on the evidence, clinicians are likely to advise patients to aim for a sustained walk of 30 minutes or more whenever possible, especially if they find it difficult to exercise regularly. The researchers plan further investigations to determine whether similar benefits apply to other forms of aerobic activity and to explore the underlying physiological mechanisms.
