There is now overwhelming evidence about the associations between regular physical activity and a reduction in risk of death, and risk of major diseases like CVD, stroke and diabetes. It contributes to well being and is essential for good health. The considerable evidence base for the links between physical activity and health were reported in the Chief Medical Officer’s (CMO) report2.
In many studies, walking is merged with other activities to generate an overall composite measure of physical activity. As walking is one of the most common types of physical activity, we could refer to the evidence that links total physical activity to health outcomes assume that it can be extrapolated to walking. However, there is now sufficient evidence on the independent benefits of walking to health outcomes.
In this chapter we therefore do not rely solely on evidence about the relationship between physical activity and health and apply that to walking. Wherever possible, we rely on evidence that specifically links walking and health outcomes.
In many studies, walking is merged with other activities to generate an overall composite measure of physical activity. As walking is one of the most common types of physical activity, we could refer to the evidence that links total physical activity to health outcomes assume that it can be extrapolated to walking. However, there is now sufficient evidence on the independent benefits of walking to health outcomes.
In this chapter we therefore do not rely solely on evidence about the relationship between physical activity and health and apply that to walking. Wherever possible, we rely on evidence that specifically links walking and health outcomes.