HOW

STRONG IS THE EVIDENCE EXCERPTS

EXS 101


EXCERPT FROM ARTICLE #1

Do physically active individuals have a lower risk of developing heart disease than those
who live a sedentary lifestyle? A PubMed search was conducted using the terms
cardiovascular disease, physical exertion, and sedentary, resulting in 15 randomized
controlled studies, each with 20 to thirty subjects. All of the studies showed a negative
relationship between physical activity levels and incidence of cardiovascular disease
(higher physical activity levels were associated with lower incidence of cardiovascular
disease). Subjects from all fifteen studies were pooled and statistically analyzed to
determine the strength of this relationship and the analysis revealed a 36% reduction in
risk for cardiovascular disease among those individuals engaging in at least 30 minutes of
moderate physical activity a day.


EXCERPT FROM ARTICLE #2

Does daily physical activity prevent cardiovascular disease? An exhaustive literature search
was conducted, resulting in 47 studies on physical activity and cardiovascular disease. Each
study was then evaluated to determine whether it included a sedentary control, resulting in
the elimination of a total of seven studies. The remaining 40 studies reviewed suggest a
strong negative relationship between physical activity and cardiovascular disease. Thus,
higher levels of physical activity are associated with a lower risk for cardiovascular disease.


EXCERPT FROM ARTICLE #3

The purpose of this paper is to present an evidence-based review of the current state of
knowledge on physical activity and cardiovascular disease with specific reference to human
studies. A multidisciplinary panel of experts (exercise physiologists, cardiologists and
physical activity epidemiologists) conducted this review. The categories of evidence
presented are those outlined by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Because of
the wealth of information on the cardioprotective effects of regular physical activity, we
focus on the benefits of aerobic exercise in this Position Stand. Based upon the current
evidence, the following exercise prescription is recommended to prevent cardiovascular
disease:
Frequency: on most, preferably all, days of the week
Intensity: moderate-intensity (40-<60% of V)O2R)
Time: 30 min of continuous or accumulated physical activity per day
Type: primarily endurance physical activity


EXCERPT FROM ARTICLE #4

To determine the effectiveness of aerobic physical activity in reducing the risk of

cardiovascular disease, 40 participants were randomly separated into equal groups of
twenty: an experimental group and a control group. The cardiovascular health of all
participants was then evaluated. Following this initial evaluation, the experimental group

engaged in 30 minutes of moderate aerobic physical activity daily while the control group
continued with their normal daily routines. After six months, markers for cardiovascular
health were assessed in both groups (blood pressure, and plasma triglyceride, HDL, and
LDL levels). The control group demonstrated a 5% increase in risk for cardiovascular
disease, whereas the experimental group exhibited a 30% decrease in risk for
cardiovascular disease.


EXCERPT FROM ARTICLE #5

A study was designed to assess the impact of physical activity on cardiovascular health in a
group of London bus workers. The cardiovascular health (reports of angina, heart attacks,
or death from heart attack) of both the drivers and ticket takers of the London bus system
was monitored for one year. Comparisons of cardiovascular health were then made. The
analysis showed a significant difference between groups in terms of cardiovascular health,
such that the bus drivers demonstrated lower cardiovascular health.


EXCERPT FROM ARTICLE #6

A small body of research suggests that leading a physically active lifestyle may prevent
cardiovascular disease. This study compared the cardiovascular health (blood pressure and
plasma triglyceride, HDL and LDL levels) of a group of semi-professional athletes to a group
of sedentary individuals, all in their late forties. The semiprofessional athletes
demonstrated no signs of risk for cardiovascular disease. In comparison, the sedentary
individuals demonstrated elevated levels of plasma triglycerides and LDL, low levels of HDL
and high blood pressure.


EXCERPT FROM ARTICLE #7

A physician attempted to treat a young (18 years of age) and otherwise healthy patient in
cardiac arrest. After obtaining an extensive history from family members and friends, the
physician learned that the patient had ingested 24 ounces of a new type of energy drink in
the course of four hours. It is suspected that the energy drink may have caused the heart to
go into fibrillation, ultimately leading to this young individuals death. Physicians may soon
be seeing other patients of this age experiencing cardiac arrest.


EXCERPT FROM ARTICLE #8

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in the United States. So how can you
prevent a heart attack? One of the best ways is to start a physical activity program.
According to a study by a group of researchers at Harvard, as little as thirty minutes of
physical activity a day on most days of the week can reduce your risk of a heart attack by
36%! So, sign-up for that Zumba class you have been thinking about taking, and increase
your years of healthy life!