A recent study proposes that a mere 4.5 minutes of intense, intermittent physical activity during daily tasks, like vigorous housework or bursts of power walking, could reduce the risk of certain cancers by up to 32 percent. The research, based on data from wearable devices tracking over 22,000 non-exercisers for seven years, discovered an 18-32% decrease in cancer incidence with a daily VILPA (Vigorous Intermittent Lifestyle Physical Activity) of 3.5-4.5 minutes.
The study conducted by the University of Sydney and published in JAMA Oncology reveals that incorporating short bursts of energetic activity, lasting around a minute each, can have a significant impact on cancer risk. VILPA encompasses activities like carrying heavy groceries, energetic housework, high-energy games with kids, and brisk walking.
Though the research is observational and does not directly establish cause and effect, it suggests a strong connection between VILPA and reduced cancer risk. Possible reasons for this link include improvements in cardio-respiratory fitness and reductions in insulin sensitivity and chronic inflammation.
The study analyzed 22,398 non-exercisers, aged around 62, and found that even as little as 3.5 minutes of daily VILPA could lead to an 18 percent decrease in cancer incidence compared to no VILPA. Furthermore, 4.5 minutes of daily VILPA was associated with a remarkable 32 percent reduction in physical activity-related cancer incidence.
This study demonstrates the potential of wearable technology to monitor physical activity and understand how everyday activities influence long-term health, providing promising insights into cancer prevention and other health outcomes. The research was funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about cancer risk reduction
What does the new study suggest about reducing cancer risk?
The new study suggests that incorporating short bursts of intense daily activity, known as VILPA (Vigorous Intermittent Lifestyle Physical Activity), such as power walking or energetic housework, could reduce the risk of certain cancers by up to 32 percent.
How was the research conducted?
The research was conducted by the University of Sydney, Australia. It analyzed data from wearable devices worn by over 22,000 non-exercisers over seven years to track their daily movements and cross-referenced it with health records to monitor instances of cancer.
What is VILPA?
VILPA stands for Vigorous Intermittent Lifestyle Physical Activity. It refers to very short bursts of intense activity, lasting around one minute each, that people perform during daily tasks like carrying heavy shopping or playing high-energy games with kids.
Are the findings conclusive about cause and effect?
The findings are based on observational data and do not directly establish cause and effect. However, they suggest a strong link between VILPA and reduced cancer risk. Further robust trials are needed to investigate this link more thoroughly.
Which types of cancer risk were reduced with VILPA?
VILPA was associated with a reduction in cancer risk for various physical activity-related cancers, including breast, endometrial, colon, liver, lung, kidney, gastric cardia, myeloid leukemia, myeloma, colorectal, head and neck, bladder, and esophageal adenocarcinoma.
How much VILPA is required to see the benefits?
The study found that as little as 3.5 to 4.5 minutes of daily VILPA could lead to an 18-32% reduction in cancer incidence, compared to those who did not engage in VILPA.
What are the potential reasons for the reduced cancer risk with VILPA?
Researchers believe that improvements in cardio-respiratory fitness, insulin sensitivity, and reduction in chronic inflammation may contribute to the lowered cancer risk associated with VILPA.
Who funded the study?
The study was funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.
More about cancer risk reduction
- JAMA Oncology: Link
- University of Sydney: Link
- Vigorous Intermittent Lifestyle Physical Activity (VILPA): Link
