| People who are physically active show a reduced risk of premature mortality. Can primary care patients, after being inactive for much of their lives, reduce their mortality risk when they shift from no activity to any increment in physical activity? This research found that patients who were inactive but increased their physical activity even at a minimal level, below minimum guideline recommendations, significantly reduced their mortality risk, and those who adopted current recommendations or an even higher level of activity had a lower mortality risk in a curvilinear dose–response relationship. These findings should encourage primary healthcare professionals to promote physical activity and facilitate initial negotiation of objectives when prescribing a physical activity plan. |
