Too much jogging raises the risk of death

More than 2.5 hours of jogging a week is counterproductive

02/18/2015

Sufficient physical activity is generally considered healthy and is associated with a reduced risk of dying. But the right amount is crucial here, according to a recent study by the research team led by Peter Schnohr from the Frederiksberg Hospital in Copenhagen (Denmark). Like the scientists in the trade magazine „Journal of the American College of Cardiology“ reports, intensive jogging can even be counterproductive here.

„People who are physically active have at least a 30% lower risk of dying, compared to those who are inactive“, the scientists report. However, this basically positive statement is relativized on closer examination of the weekly sports program. Because the evaluation of the connection between jogging and all-cause mortality in the current Danish study showed that with intensive jogging the mortality is on a similar level, as with the non-joggers. Light to moderate jogging from one to 2.4 hours per week was associated with the lowest mortality, according to the scientists.

Intense jogging increases mortality
For their study, the researchers used Peter Schnohr's data „Copenhagen City Heart Study“ 1,098 healthy joggers and 3,950 healthy non-joggers have been watched since 2001. They analyzed possible relationships between the mortality and the intensity of the jogging, taking into account the pace, duration and frequency of running. The lowest mortality was observed at a frequency of two to three times a week at a slow to average pace, write Schnohr and colleagues. According to the researchers, more than 2.5 hours of jogging per week is accompanied by a rise in mortality rates and in intensive joggers who jog more than four hours a week at high walking speeds, the mortality rate is statistically at the same level as the non-joggers.

Easy to moderate jogging recommended
If a certain amount of jogging is exceeded, the health benefits are lost, according to the Danish researchers. The likelihood of potentially fatal diseases of the cardiovascular system (eg, heart attack or stroke) is initially reduced by the exercise, but with intense jogging the risk obviously increases again. The Danish researchers therefore recommend easy to moderate jogging to maximize health benefits. The pace should not be set too high, the running units should not take more than an hour and more than three times a week jogging is taboo. If these guidelines are adhered to, jogging has significant positive health effects and significantly reduces the risk of dying. (Fp)