Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 11, 2025
Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
Intensity modifies the association between continuous bouts of physical activity and risk of mortality: A prospective
Alex V Rowlands1, Fabian Schwendinger2, Cameron Razieh3
1Diabetes Research Centre, Leicester General Hospital, University of Leicester, Leicester LE5 4PW, UK; National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Leicester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), University Hospitals of Leicester National Health Service (NHS) Trust, Leicester LE5 4PW, UK; Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
Background:
Recent evidence suggests continuous bouts of physical activity (PA) are associated with longevity. We hypothesized the risk of mortality would be lower when the most active minutes of the day were in a continuous bout.
Methods:
PA was assessed using accelerometery in UK Biobank participants. The intensity of the most active continuous (MXCONT) and accumulated (MX) X min of the day, and their ratio (MXRATIO = MXCONT/MX), were determined. MXRATIO indicates how the most active minutes of the day are accumulated, ranging from a single continuous bout through to sporadic accumulation spread across the day. Durations (X) considered ranged from 1 to 20 min. The outcome was mortality.
Results:
In total, 94,541 participants (56.5% female) were included. Over a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 6.9 (6.3, 7.4) years, 2649 (2.8%) deaths occurred. Intensity moderated the association between how the most active minutes of the day were accumulated and mortality risk, expressed relative to sporadically accumulated moderate PA. If the most active minutes were of moderate intensity, the risk of mortality was halved for continuous compared to sporadic accumulation, irrespective of duration; if the most active minutes were of vigorous intensity, a continuous bout was associated with the lowest risk for durations under 5 min (e.g., 3 min: hazard ratio (HR) = 0.27, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.21-0.34), while sporadic accumulation was associated with the lowest risk for durations beyond 5 min (HR = 0.11, 95%CI: 0.08-0.15 for the most active 20 min).
Conclusion:
Optimal PA patterns for reducing mortality differ by intensity and duration. For moderate-intensity PA, a lower mortality risk may be optimized by prioritizing continuous PA for up to 20 min. However, for vigorous-intensity PA, multiple short bouts (<5 min) may be optimal. This suggests tailored PA recommendations may enhance longevity benefits.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:29Bias in Epidemiological Studies
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
01:20Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
01:30Factors Influencing Heart Rate
Let us explore the significant factors affecting heart rate, including age, body temperature, posture, acute pain, chemical influences,...
01:27Confounding in Epidemiological Studies