Mortality in joggers: population based study of 4658 men
Despite recent reports of deaths during jogging, a study in this week's BMJ shows that the risk of death in persistent joggers is significantly lower than in non-joggers or even those new to jogging.
A total of 4658 Danish men, aged 20-79 years, attended two examinations over a period of five years. At the first examination, 217 men reported active jogging. Of these, 96 were still jogging five years later. Between the two examinations, 106 men started jogging and 4335 men were non-joggers at both examinations.
The authors found a higher risk of death among non-joggers, or those who jogged at only one of the two examinations, compared to persistent joggers. This effect was independent of factors such as smoking, weight, blood pressure and cholesterol level, add the authors.
The health benefits of physical activity are well known, but the optimal intensity, frequency and duration of activity has yet to be firmly established, say the authors. These findings support the current view in the medical community that, although light exercise has some value, moderate and vigorous activity such as jogging is now considered more favourable for health, they conclude.
Contact:
Peter Schnohr, Chief Cardiologist, The Copenhagen City Heart Study, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Denmark Email: peterschnohr@dadlnet.dk