New research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine indicates that walking or cycling to work can substantially lower the risk of atherosclerosis in heart arteries. According to the study, people who commute by foot or bicycle show a significantly reduced risk compared to those who drive cars.
Peter Edholm, a researcher at Halmstad University and one of the study authors, stated: "It's no news that physical activity is good for heart and vascular health. What is remarkable is that everyday exercise makes such a big difference. These are small activities, but when done regularly, they have a clear effect."
It's no news that physical activity is good for heart and vascular health. What is remarkable is that everyday exercise makes such a big difference. These are small activities, but when done regularly, they have a clear effect.
The research found a gradual pattern in the benefits, with the strongest effect observed among those who walked or cycled daily to work. Even those who used public transportation showed reduced risk compared to car commuters, though the effect was weaker. The study accounted for factors including leisure exercise, diet, sleep, smoking, physical activity at work, and education level.
While the study couldn't determine a minimum distance for benefits, the average commute distances were 4 kilometers one way for cyclists and 1.6 kilometers for walkers. For those who must drive, researchers suggest parking further from work and walking the last distance as an alternative approach.