How can stairs ward off the risk of early death?

England – A recent study reported that although taking the elevator may be tempting, choosing the stairs can really help you live a long life.

The scientists wanted to investigate whether climbing stairs, as a form of physical activity, might play a role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death.

They conducted a large analysis that included nine previous studies and nearly 500,000 people between the ages of 35 and 84.

Studies were included regardless of the number of flights of stairs and speed of climbing, and the studies included both healthy participants and those with a previous history of heart attacks or heart disease.

The analysis revealed that compared to not climbing stairs, climbing stairs was associated with a 24% lower risk of death from any cause, and a 39% lower risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks, heart failure and stroke, over a 14-year period.

“With the increasing prevalence of sedentary behaviors and their associated health risks, there is an increasing necessity to explore accessible and practical strategies to mitigate cardiovascular risk,” the researchers wrote. “These findings highlight the importance of enhancing daily activities, even within the workplace and home, to promote healthy lifestyles.”

Data indicate that more than one in four adults worldwide do not achieve recommended levels of physical activity.

Dr Sophie Paddock, from the University of East Anglia, said: “If you have the option of taking the stairs or the lift, take the stairs because it will help your heart. Even short periods of physical activity have beneficial health effects. Short bouts of stair climbing should be an achievable goal to incorporate into your daily routine. “Based on these findings, we encourage people to incorporate stair climbing into their daily lives.”

She continued: “Our study indicates that the more stairs climbed, the greater the benefits, but this needs to be confirmed.” So, whether at work, home or anywhere else, use the stairs.

It is worth noting that previous studies found that simple exercises such as climbing stairs can provide significant benefits to the heart and muscles.

Researchers from McMaster University in Canada found that climbing the stairs was beneficial whether the person walked or ran.

Source: Daily Mail