This review summarizes the evidence on the relationship between exercise volume and intensity and risk reductions in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality across different populations.
Habitual physical activity and regular exercise training improve cardiovascular health and longevity. A physically active lifestyle is, therefore, a key aspect of primary and secondary prevention strategies. An appropriate volume and intensity are essential to maximally benefit from exercise interventions. This document summarizes available evidence on the relationship between the exercise volume and risk reductions in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, the risks and benefits of moderate- versus high-intensity exercise interventions are compared. Findings are presented for the general population and cardiac patients eligible for cardiac rehabilitation. Finally, the controversy of excessive volumes of exercise in the athletic population is discussed.
“For moderate types of exercise, there doesn't seem to be any limit to the amount of benefit. The more you do, the more benefit you get. Now, I'm sure there is some point where the benefit plateaus off, but we can't see it from the studies. You can't see it from the studies because not everybody walks all day.”
Eijsvogels et al. (Fri,) conducted a review in Cardiovascular health. Exercise volume and intensity was evaluated. This review summarizes the evidence on the relationship between exercise volume and intensity and risk reductions in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality across different populations.