Device-measured light-intensity physical activity and mortality: A meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Gerontology

Background:

• The impact of light-intensity physical activity (LPA) on mortality remains unclear.
• This meta-analysis investigates the dose-response relationship between daily LPA and mortality in adults.
• The study also examines if these associations are independent of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the dose-response relationship between daily device-measured LPA and all-cause mortality in adults aged 18 and older.
• To determine if the association between LPA and mortality is independent of MVPA.

Main Methods:

• Systematic search of prospective cohort studies up to April 30, 2019, focusing on LPA and all-cause mortality.
• Meta-analysis and meta-regression with random-effects models to analyze dose-response relationships.
• Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to ensure result robustness.

Main Results:

• Eleven studies comprising 49,239 individuals (mean age 60.7 years) were analyzed.
• Higher daily LPA durations (3 to <5h, 5 to <7h, >7h) were associated with significantly reduced mortality risk (HRs: 0.71, 0.68, 0.56, respectively) compared to <3h/d.
• A log-cubic dose-response relationship was observed, independent of MVPA.

Conclusions:

• Daily time spent in light-intensity physical activity is associated with decreased mortality risk in adults and older individuals.
• These findings support the integration of LPA into future physical activity guidelines.
• Device-measured LPA provides valuable insights into mortality reduction strategies.