Commuting to work is a fixed part of most people’s day. It is therefore relevant to examine how this time affects health.
Health authorities recommend that adults engage in physical activity for several hours a week, but many find it difficult to make time for exercise in a busy everyday life.
Researchers therefore point to daily routines such as commuting as a simple way to incorporate more movement into everyday life.
Study design
A new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine is based on data from around 30,000 Swedes aged 50 to 64.
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The participants underwent advanced cardiac scans.
The researchers focused in particular on atherosclerosis in the heart’s blood vessels.
This is a condition in which fat and other substances accumulate in the vessel walls and can lead to serious disease.
A simple solution
Atherosclerosis is one of the main causes of cardiovascular disease. Prevention is therefore crucial.
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Although exercise is known to reduce the risk, far from everyone meets the recommended levels. Here, small changes in everyday life can play a role.
The study shows that people who walk or cycle for around 20 minutes to and from work have less atherosclerosis in the heart’s blood vessels.
This effect remains even when accounting for physical activity during leisure time.
Sources: VIA, and British Journal of Sports Medicine.
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