[Is it enough to recommend to patients take a walk? Importance of the cadence]

There are strong scientific evidences on the benefits of leading an active lifestyle. The most characteristic and inherent physical activity of the human being is walking. This activity is currently promoted by a number of professionals to improve the health status of the population. However, just suggesting "go for a walk" is not enough since a number of steps performed at a certain pace are necessary to induce a series of beneficial effects on the organism.

The aim of this study was to show the latest advances on this topic so that the population and the patients can received more detailed recommendations when walking is prescribed.

We carried out a literature search in PubMed and Scielo, as well as a manual search among the references of the studies selected.

After analyzing the literature, it seems evident that it is important to reach a certain amount of steps during the day in order to improve the people's health, and it also seems essential to suggest the pace at which to walk.

"Go for a walk" is a proofed and beneficial recommendation for achieving health benefits in the population. However, the health professionals should also suggest reaching a certain pace or minimum intensity in order to assure that their patients achieve the favourable effects on the organism.