Peer-reviewed study
Benefits start around 2,600 steps a day
Relationship of Daily Step Counts to All-Cause Mortality and Cardiovascular Events
Quick answer
What this study found
Stens et al. (2023, JACC, PMID 37676198) analysed 12 studies and 111,309 people. Compared with 2,000 steps a day, benefits became significant at about 2,600 steps for mortality and 2,800 for heart disease, and kept improving up to about 8,800 and 7,200 steps respectively. A moderate-to-fast walking cadence added benefit beyond total steps.
Source details
PubMed-linked study details.
- Authors
- Stens et al.
- Journal
- Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2023.
- Identifiers
- PMID 37676198 · DOI 10.1016/j.jacc.2023.07.029
Honest limits
What this study does not prove.
Pooled observational data from 111,309 people. Results varied by device, with stronger associations for hip-worn accelerometers than pedometers or wrist trackers.
Kris's practical takeaway
Here's what to do with it.
Even a small bump from a very low baseline counts. Then walk with some pace: a brisker cadence was linked to extra benefit on top of the step count.
Ways to use it
Safe ways to apply it.
Every step off the couch counts
Walk like you have somewhere to be
The heart benefit peaks earlier than you think
Related guides and studies
Keep learning about cardio.
FAQ
Quick questions
What is the practical takeaway from this study?
Even a small bump from a very low baseline counts. Then walk with some pace: a brisker cadence was linked to extra benefit on top of the step count.
What does this study not prove?
Pooled observational data from 111,309 people. Results varied by device, with stronger associations for hip-worn accelerometers than pedometers or wrist trackers.
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