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Published on: March 7, 2019
Association of weekend warrior physical activity pattern with health outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Yun Sung Kim1, Young-Heon Shin1, Minsuk Oh2
1Department of Sport Industry Studies, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
Objective:
This study aimed to systematically review and analyze the associations between 'Weekend Warrior' patterns (≥150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA] per week in 1-2 days) and health outcomes compared to regular physical activity patterns (≥150 minutes of MVPA distributed over ≥3 days).
Study Design:
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
Methods:
A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and EMBASE databases up to July 2025. Meta-analysis using random-effects models was performed for health outcomes, including mortality (all-cause, cancer, cardiovascular disease), metabolic diseases (metabolic syndrome, hypertension, obesity, type 2 diabetes), and depression.
Results:
We included 18 publications (8 cohorts and 11 cross-sectional studies). Both weekend warrior and regular physical activity patterns showed similar associations with health outcomes compared to inactivity. Lower risks were observed for all-cause mortality (Weekend warrior: relative risk (RR) 0.76, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.66-0.87; Regular physical activity: RR 0.71, 95 % CI 0.63-0.80), cardiovascular disease mortality (Weekend warrior: RR 0.74, 95 % CI 0.60-0.91; Regular physical activity: RR 0.69, 95 % CI 0.56-0.85), and cancer mortality (Weekend warrior: RR 0.81, 95 % CI 0.75-0.88; Regular physical activity: RR 0.86, 95 % CI 0.81-0.93). Both patterns were similarly associated with a lower risk of metabolic syndrome, hypertension, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and depression compared to inactivity.
Conclusion:
The weekend warrior patterns of physical activity may serve as a practical alternative for time-constrained individuals, showing benefits similar to regular physical activity patterns for diverse health outcomes.
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