Original Investigation
Leisure-Time Running Reduces All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality Risk

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Abstract

Background

Although running is a popular leisure-time physical activity, little is known about the long-term effects of running on mortality. The dose-response relations between running, as well as the change in running behaviors over time, and mortality remain uncertain.

Objectives

We examined the associations of running with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality risks in 55,137 adults, 18 to 100 years of age (mean age 44 years).

Methods

Running was assessed on a medical history questionnaire by leisure-time activity.

Results

During a mean follow-up of 15 years, 3,413 all-cause and 1,217 cardiovascular deaths occurred. Approximately 24% of adults participated in running in this population. Compared with nonrunners, runners had 30% and 45% lower adjusted risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, respectively, with a 3-year life expectancy benefit. In dose-response analyses, the mortality benefits in runners were similar across quintiles of running time, distance, frequency, amount, and speed, compared with nonrunners. Weekly running even <51 min, <6 miles, 1 to 2 times, <506 metabolic equivalent-minutes, or <6 miles/h was sufficient to reduce risk of mortality, compared with not running. In the analyses of change in running behaviors and mortality, persistent runners had the most significant benefits, with 29% and 50% lower risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, respectively, compared with never-runners.

Conclusions

Running, even 5 to 10 min/day and at slow speeds <6 miles/h, is associated with markedly reduced risks of death from all causes and cardiovascular disease. This study may motivate healthy but sedentary individuals to begin and continue running for substantial and attainable mortality benefits.

Key Words

all-cause mortality
cardiovascular mortality
dose response
epidemiology
physical exercise
running pattern

Abbreviations and Acronyms

BMI
body mass index
CVD
cardiovascular disease
MET
metabolic equivalent
PAF
population attributable fraction

Cited by (0)

This study was supported by the National Institutes of Health (grants AG06945, HL62508, and DK088195) and an unrestricted research grant from the Coca-Cola Company. Dr. Blair has served on advisory boards for Technogym, Clarity, and Santech; and has received research grants from the Coca-Cola Company, Technogym, and BodyMedia. All other authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose.

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