A new study has found that afternoon exercise may be linked to a lower risk of early death. The research, which was conducted by scientists at the University of Cambridge and published in the journal JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from over 300,000 participants in the UK Biobank study.
The study found that people who exercised in the afternoon had a 30% lower risk of early death compared to those who did not exercise at all. Additionally, those who exercised in the morning or evening had a 25% lower risk of early death.
These findings are significant because they suggest that the timing of exercise may be just as important as the frequency and intensity of exercise. While previous studies have shown that regular exercise is associated with a lower risk of early death, this study is the first to investigate the relationship between the timing of exercise and mortality.
What is early death?
Early death is defined as death before the age of 75. It is often used as a measure of premature mortality, which is a major public health concern in many countries around the world. Premature mortality is associated with a range of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and respiratory disease.
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The UK Biobank study
The UK Biobank study is one of the largest and most comprehensive health studies in the world. It includes data from over 500,000 participants who were recruited between 2006 and 2010. The study collects detailed information on participants’ health and lifestyle, including their exercise habits.
The new study analyzed data from over 300,000 participants in the UK Biobank study who had provided information on their exercise habits. Participants were asked about the frequency, intensity, and timing of their exercise.
The study found that people who exercised in the afternoon had a 30% lower risk of early death compared to those who did not exercise at all. The researchers also found that people who exercised in the morning or evening had a 25% lower risk of early death.
Why might afternoon exercise be beneficial?
There are a number of potential reasons why afternoon exercise may be linked to a lower risk of early death. One possibility is that afternoon exercise may help to regulate circadian rhythms, which are the internal biological clocks that regulate many physiological processes in the body.
Research has shown that disruptions to circadian rhythms are associated with a range of health problems, including metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. By exercising in the afternoon, it is possible that individuals are helping to keep their circadian rhythms in check, which may help to protect against premature mortality.
Another possible explanation is that afternoon exercise may be more enjoyable for some people. Research has shown that enjoyment of exercise is a strong predictor of exercise adherence, which is important for maintaining long-term health benefits.
Additionally, afternoon exercise may also be more convenient for some people, as it can be easier to fit into a busy schedule. This may make it more likely that individuals will stick to an exercise routine, which could contribute to a lower risk of early death.
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Implications for public health
These findings have important implications for public health. While previous studies have shown that regular exercise is associated with a lower risk of early death, this study suggests that the timing of exercise may be just as important.
Healthcare providers and public health officials may want to consider promoting afternoon exercise as a way to reduce the risk of premature mortality. This could include initiatives such as workplace exercise programs or community-based exercise programs that are scheduled for the afternoon.
However, it is important to note that the study does not prove causation. While the findings are statistically significant, it is possible that other factors not accounted for in the study may be contributing to the relationship between afternoon exercise and early death.