Peer-reviewed study
8,000 steps beat 4,000, pace aside
Association of Daily Step Count and Step Intensity With Mortality Among US Adults
Quick answer
What this study found
Saint-Maurice et al. (2020, JAMA, PMID 32207799) followed 4,840 US adults who wore accelerometers. Taking 8,000 steps a day was linked to significantly lower mortality than 4,000. Once total steps were accounted for, step intensity was not significantly linked to mortality.
Source details
PubMed-linked study details.
- Authors
- Saint-Maurice et al.
- Journal
- JAMA. 2020.
- Identifiers
- PMID 32207799 · DOI 10.1001/jama.2020.1382
Honest limits
What this study does not prove.
A single US cohort of 4,840 adults with about a week of accelerometer data; association, not causation.
Kris's practical takeaway
Here's what to do with it.
Total volume is the lever. If you only have one thing to track, track daily steps, not how fast each one was.
Ways to use it
Safe ways to apply it.
Volume first, speed second
Doubling your steps changes the picture
Track one number: daily steps
Related guides and studies
Keep learning about cardio.
FAQ
Quick questions
What is the practical takeaway from this study?
Total volume is the lever. If you only have one thing to track, track daily steps, not how fast each one was.
What does this study not prove?
A single US cohort of 4,840 adults with about a week of accelerometer data; association, not causation.
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