Regular walking offers significant health advantages, yet most research has focused on White, middle- to high-income groups. A recent study shifts this focus, highlighting how walking, particularly at a brisk pace, can improve health outcomes for low-income and Black individuals, populations often overlooked in public health studies.
Drawing from the Southern Community Cohort Study, which included 79,856 participants—mostly low-income Black residents across 12 southeastern U.S. states—researchers found that brisk walking significantly enhances health. Published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, the study underscores walking as an accessible, effective way to boost well-being in underserved communities.
Key Findings on Walking and Health
Lead researcher Wei Zheng, MD, PhD, from Vanderbilt University’s School of Medicine, emphasized, “While walking’s benefits are well-known, few studies explore its impact on low-income and Black populations. Our findings show that just 15 minutes of fast walking daily can reduce mortality by nearly 20%. Even slow walking for over three hours daily offers some mortality reduction, though less significant. These benefits hold across various lifestyle factors.”
Fast vs. Slow Walking
Participants reported time spent on “slow walking” (e.g., casual movement, dog walking, or light exercise) and “fast walking” (e.g., brisk walking, stair climbing, or aerobic exercise). Mortality data was gathered via the National Death Index. Fast walking showed a stronger protective effect, particularly against cardiovascular diseases, and its benefits were independent of other physical activities. Adding brisk walking to routines, even for those already active, further lowered mortality risks.
Cardiovascular Benefits of Fast Walking
Improves Heart Health: As an aerobic activity, fast walking enhances heart efficiency, oxygen delivery, and cardiac output, promoting better cardiovascular function.
Reduces Risk Factors: Regular brisk walking helps manage body weight, lowers obesity risks, and controls conditions like high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Accessible for All: Fast walking is low-impact, cost-free, and suitable for people of all fitness levels, making it an ideal exercise for diverse communities.
Tackling Health Disparities
Low-income and Black communities often face barriers like limited access to safe walking spaces, economic challenges, and higher rates of unhealthy lifestyle factors (e.g., poor diet, smoking, or alcohol use). These groups also have less access to healthcare and insurance, contributing to higher mortality rates and racial disparities in longevity. This study’s findings offer evidence to support targeted interventions, such as community programs promoting brisk walking, to improve health equity.
Lead author Lili Liu, MPH, from Vanderbilt University, noted, “Public health initiatives can prioritize fast walking to improve outcomes in underserved communities. These findings align with prior research on wealthier groups, confirming that brisk walking or similar aerobic activities should be a key part of daily routines.”
Conclusion
This study highlights the power of fast walking as a simple, effective way to enhance health, particularly for low-income and Black individuals. By integrating brisk walking into daily life, communities can address health inequities and reduce mortality risks. Public health campaigns should focus on providing resources and safe spaces to encourage this accessible exercise.
Reference: Liu, L., et al. (2025). Daily walking and mortality in racially and socioeconomically diverse US adults. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2025.107738
Post a Comment