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Physical activity and mortality in postmenopausal women
L H Kushi1, R M Fee, A R Folsom
1Division of Epidemiology, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis 55454-1015, USA.
JAMA
|April 23, 1997
Summary
Regular physical activity significantly reduces all-cause mortality in postmenopausal women. Even moderate activity, as infrequent as once per week, showed a reduced risk of death, highlighting the benefits of an active lifestyle.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Postmenopausal women represent a significant demographic group with unique health considerations.
- Understanding modifiable lifestyle factors like physical activity is crucial for promoting longevity in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between physical activity levels and all-cause mortality in a cohort of postmenopausal women.
- To determine if the frequency and intensity of physical activity influence mortality risk.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study involving 40,417 postmenopausal women aged 55-69.
- Physical activity was assessed via mailed questionnaire, with a 7-year follow-up period.
- All-cause mortality, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory illnesses were primary outcome measures.
Main Results:
- Regular physical activity was associated with a significantly reduced risk of death (RR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.66-0.90) after adjustments.
- An increasing frequency of moderate and vigorous physical activity demonstrated a graded, inverse association with mortality.
- Reduced mortality risks were observed for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, with benefits seen even for moderate activity once weekly.
Conclusions:
- A dose-response relationship exists between physical activity and reduced all-cause mortality in postmenopausal women.
- Findings support public health recommendations for regular physical activity, emphasizing its applicability to postmenopausal women.