Associations of Light, Moderate, and Vigorous Intensity Physical Activity with Longevity: The Harvard Alumni Health Study

TLDR

Physical activity improves health, but the optimal intensity level remains uncertain. The study followed 13,485 Harvard alumni (mean age 57.5) who reported walking, stair climbing, and sports/recreation in 1977. Between 1977 and 1992, 2,539 deaths occurred, and distance walked and stairs climbed independently predicted longevity, with vigorous activity (≥6 METs) showing the strongest mortality reduction, moderate activity (4–<6 METs) somewhat beneficial, and light activity (<4 METs) not linked to lower mortality. Published in Am J Epidemiol 2000; 151:293–9.

Abstract

Physical activity is associated with better health; however, the optimal intensity of activity remains unclear. A total of 13, 485 men (mean age, 57.5 years) from the Harvard Alumni Health Study reported their walking, stair climbing, and sports/recreation in 1977. Between 1977 and 1992, 2, 539 died. After adjusting for the different activity components, distance walked and storeys climbed independently predicted longevity (p, trend = 0.004 and <0.001, respectively). Light activities (<4 multiples of resting metabolic rate (METs)) were not associated with reduced mortality rates, moderate activities (4–<6 METs) appeared somewhat beneficial, and vigorous activities (≧6 METs) clearly predicted lower mortality rates (p, trend = 0.72, 0.07, and <0.001, respectively). These data provide some support for current recommendations that emphasize moderate intensity activity; they also clearly indicate a benefit of vigorous activity. Am J Epidemiol 2000; 151: 293–9.