OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the optimal dosage of walking duration for osteoporosis prevention. STUDY DESIGN: This study represents a prospective cohort analysis based on data derived from the UK Biobank. METHODS: Utilizing prospective data from the UK Biobank (n = 432,493), we analyzed osteoporosis incidence in adults aged 38-73 years. Walking duration was assessed via validated questionnaires. Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for demographics, comorbidities, and lifestyle factors. Restricted cubic splines characterized nonlinear associations. RESULTS: Participants in all walking groups exhibited significantly lower osteoporosis risk versus the non-walking group. In fully adjusted models, the hazard ratios (HR) (95% confidence intervals) for osteoporosis were: 0.72 (0.65-0.79; P 360 min/week of walking group, respectively. A U-shaped dose-response relationship was demonstrated (P for nonlinearity <0.001). CONCLUSION: Regular walking demonstrates significant osteoporosis protection, with optimal benefits at 180-360 min/week. This aligns with global physical activity guidelines while revealing an upper threshold beyond which additional walking yields no further risk reduction. Our findings support tailored exercise prescriptions for osteoporosis prevention.
Yang et al. (2026) studied this question.