- New research suggests that exercising for up to 610 minutes weekly, approximately four times the current recommendation, could offer optimal heart benefits.
- This finding challenges the established guideline for adults to undertake at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity each week.
- The study, from Macao Polytechnic University using data from over 17,000 middle-aged British adults, found that meeting current guidelines reduced heart event odds by 8-9 per cent, while 560-610 minutes reduced risk by over 30 per cent.
- Researchers concluded that optimal cardiovascular protection may require substantially higher activity volumes than currently recommended.
- However, commentators warn that advising over an hour and 20 minutes of daily exercise is not a sensible public health message, urging continued adherence to the 150-minute target, with more being better.
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