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    Exercise guidelines 'need revision'

    Posted on 10/10/2007

    British adults believe that moderate activity has more health benefits than vigorous exercise, new research by Brunel University and the University of Exeter has revealed.

    The study, which was published in Preventive Medicine, reveals that 56% of men and 71% of women think that moderate activities such as walking are most beneficial to health.

    However, the researchers warn that both popular opinion and current Department of Health (DH) guidelines are contrary to scientific evidence. Many large studies now suggest that regular participation in more vigorous exercises like jogging provides the greatest health benefit.

    The Exeter and Brunel study is the first to look at attitudes to vigorous and moderate exercise since government guidelines on the subject were changed in the mid 1990s. Prior to the revision, people had been encouraged to participate in a 20-60 minute session of vigorous activity three or four times a week, but the newer guidelines promote 30 minutes of moderate exercise three times a week.

    Research conducted in 1990 showed that about 9 out of 10 British adults thought vigorous exercise was needed to maintain and improve health and fitness. The authors of the new research suggest that the shift in attitudes since then is dangerous, and they call for a revision of government guidelines.

    Dr Gary O'Donovan, exercise physiologist from Exeter University said: 'It's extremely worrying that British adults now believe that a brief stroll and a bit of gardening is enough to make them fit and healthy.'



    Category: Healthy Lifestyle


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