Even small amounts of exercise categorized as vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (VILPA) can significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer.
A recent study published in JAMA Oncology found that as little as four to five minutes of VILPA daily can be associated with a substantially lower cancer risk. This is promising news for anyone who may find it difficult to engage in structured exercise.
The study, conducted by Dr. Emmanuel Stamatakis and his colleagues from the University of Sydney, aimed to examine the connection between VILPA and incident total cancer and PA-related cancer. The research involved a prospective cohort analysis of 22,398 nonexercising adults from the U.K. Biobank.
The participants were equipped with devices to measure their daily VILPA, and the incidence of total cancer and PA-related cancer (which includes 13 cancer sites associated with low physical activity levels) was monitored over a mean follow-up period of 6.7 years.
The findings revealed that there were 2,356 total incident cancer events, with 1,084 of them attributed to PA-related cancer. The researchers observed that 92.3 percent of VILPA occurred in bouts of up to one minute. The dose-response association between daily VILPA and cancer outcomes was near-linear, with steeper dose-response curves for PA-related cancer compared to total cancer.
Here are the key points from the study:
– Small amounts of vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (VILPA) are associated with a reduced risk of developing total cancer and PA-related cancer.
– As little as four to five minutes of VILPA daily can be linked to a substantially lower cancer risk.
– The dose-response association between VILPA and cancer outcomes is near-linear, with steeper dose-response curves for PA-related cancer.
– Long-term trials with cancer-related biomarker outcomes and well-designed cohort studies with wearable devices should further investigate the potential of VILPA as a cancer prevention intervention.
In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of incorporating even small amounts of vigorous exercise into our daily lives to reduce the risk of cancer. It suggests that just a few minutes of VILPA each day can make a significant difference. While structured exercise may not appeal to everyone, finding simple ways to engage in bursts of activity can be an effective strategy for cancer prevention. Further research is needed to explore the potential of VILPA as an intervention for nonexercising individuals and to evaluate its impact on cancer-related biomarkers.
Source Article: https://www.physiciansweekly.com/small-amounts-of-vigorous-exercise-linked-to-reduced-risk-for-cancer/
