Having a good aerobic capacity is essential for any athlete, since it is in charge of allowing us to train more intensely and for longer. But there is another reason why this ability is important: it can decrease the risk of death from heart disease, cancer and other diseases, according to research that has been carried out in Spain.
With a study, presented at the European Society of Cardiology's EuroEcho Imaging 2018, the researchers analyzed 12.615 volunteers between the ages of 18 and 91 with known or suspected coronary artery disease. Participants performed a stress test with echocardiography on a treadmill, where they walked or ran to exhaustion.
The results of the exercise test were measured in metabolic equivalents (MET) or energy expenditure in an activity. One MET is the equivalent of sitting quietly, and six or more METs is the same as doing vigorous activities like running or cycling.
What test makes up this physical test?
To perform the stress test correctly, the volunteers had to achieve 10 METs. That is, to be able to climb three or four flights of stairs quickly without stopping. Four sections are the equivalent of 20 meters of distance, at an inclination of 30-35%. So a person who is able to climb those sections in 45-55 seconds could reach 10 METs.
The researchers then divided the volunteers into two groups: those who achieved 10 or more METs were labeled with "good functional capacity", and those who could not reach 10 METs were tagged with "poor functional capacity«.
Everyone was followed up for five years afterward, and the scientists found that those in the group with poor functional fitness had more likely to die by cardiovascular diseases, cancer or other diseases. In fact, unfit people were three times more likely to die from cardiovascular disease and almost twice as likely to die from cancer during those five years.
The fitter the participants were during the test, the more protection they seemed to have. Each MET achieved after that mark of 10 was associated with a 9%, 9% and 4% lower risk, respectively, in each type of disease. So being in good physical shape will always have a positive effect on blood pressure, lipids and the cardiovascular system. In addition, inflammation is reduced.
Do not hesitate to continue recording sports goals, both for distance, intervals or time. Keeping us active reduces the risk of dying soon from cancer or cardiovascular problems. I encourage you to try the physical test of climbing the stairs, will you be as fit as you think?