The dilemma, punctually, manifests itself close to the summer: Is it better to continue going to the gym or take advantage of it and train outdoors? Given that both options offer their own advantages, new research could give us more motivation to abandon the treadmill in favor of a run or an outdoor excursion. Health would benefit from it: a group of scientists from the University of Exeter (UK) has in fact discovered that physical activity in nature can help prevent heart disease, cancer, diabetes and depression. In England alone, where the study was conducted, scientists estimate that doing outdoor physical activity could prevent around 13,000 cases of (non-communicable) diseases per year, with a non-negligible benefit for national healthcare costs of – hold on tight – around 120 million euros per year. We are talking about conditions such as stroke, cancer, heart disease, diabetes and chronic lung disease which, according to the WHO, account for 74% of global deaths. Although these chronic diseases are not transmitted from person to person, deaths attributed to them continue to increase in most industrialized countries (including Italy).
I study
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The study, published in the journal Environment International, estimates that in 2019 alone, outdoor physical activity prevented 550 cases of ischemic heart disease, 168 cases of ischemic stroke, 1,410 cases of type 2 diabetes, 41 cases of colon cancer, 37 cases of breast cancer and 10,552 cases of major depressive disorder. In contrast, a sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical exercise have shown a clear association with increased cases of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and even worse mental health. Doing physical activity in areas such as beaches, countryside or, more simply, open spaces such as city parks can limit the spread of these diseases. More than that we would be inclined to believe. “We are almost certainly underestimating the true value of nature-based physical activity in terms of disease prevention,” the researchers explain. “We focused on 6 of the most common chronic diseases, but there are several less common conditions that can be prevented with physical activity, including other types of cancer and mental disorders”.
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Conclusions
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The study highlights that increasing physical exercise levels of youth, adults and older adults is an increasingly important strategic goal for public health institutions globally. To start, it would be sufficient to stick to the canonical 150-300 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic physical activity suggested by the WHO for adults between 18 and 64 years of age (or a minimum of 75-150 minutes of intense aerobic physical activity), in order to maintain good Health. Even better if outdoors, when the weather permits. It also applies to those who have never practiced physical activity in their life and don’t know where to start. “For people who do not have access, desire or confidence to take part in organized sport or fitness activities, physical activity in nature is a much more available and informal option,” the researchers conclude.
