Light-intensity activities such as walking, gardening or household chores were associated with a lower risk of death among people with cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, according to new research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. The findings suggest that even modest levels of movement may offer meaningful health benefits, particularly for people living with more advanced stages of this complex condition.
CKM syndrome is common, affecting nearly nine in ten adults in the United States, and includes a combination of risk factors such as high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol and lipid levels, elevated blood glucose, excess body weight and impaired kidney function. While each of these factors is harmful on its own, their combination substantially increases the likelihood of serious outcomes such as heart attack, stroke and heart failure. CKM syndrome is classified into stages from 0 to 4, with higher stages indicating more severe disease and greater cardiovascular risk.
The study highlights that light physical activity is the most common form of movement among adults and may be more achievable than moderate- or vigorous-intensity exercise for people with chronic illness. While standard physical activity guidelines often emphasise higher-intensity exercise, this level of exertion may not be realistic or safe for individuals with advanced CKM syndrome. As a result, identifying benefits from lighter activities is especially important for this population.
Researchers analysed data from around 7,200 adults who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2003 and 2006. Participants’ health status was assessed using physical examinations and blood tests, while activity levels were measured objectively using accelerometers worn for up to seven days. These devices allowed researchers to distinguish between light, moderate and vigorous activity. Light physical activity was defined as movement that does not significantly increase breathing rate, such as casual walking, stretching, yoga or everyday household tasks.
When participants were grouped by CKM stage, the researchers found a clear pattern. Greater time spent in light physical activity was linked to a significantly lower risk of death among individuals in CKM stages 2, 3 and 4. On average, each additional hour of light activity per day was associated with a 14% to 20% reduction in the risk of death over a follow-up period of roughly 14 years. Notably, the benefits appeared to increase with disease severity. For example, increasing daily light activity from 90 minutes to two hours was linked to a larger reduction in risk for people in stage 4 than for those in stage 2.
Light physical activity is an under-recognised but potentially powerful tool for improving heart health in people with CKM syndrome. For individuals who are unable to meet conventional exercise recommendations, small increases in everyday movement may translate into substantial long-term benefits.
Independent experts welcomed the findings, noting that light-intensity activity remains an under-studied area despite being the most accessible form of movement for many people. Such activities support circulation, energy use and general mobility, all of which contribute to better health.
The researchers caution that the study was observational, meaning it can identify associations but cannot prove cause and effect. It is possible that people with more severe illness were both less active and at higher risk of death. Even so, the results strengthen the case for encouraging gentle, achievable movement as part of a broader approach to managing CKM syndrome.
More information: Joseph Sartini et al, Light Physical Activity and All‐Cause Mortality in US Adults Across Cardiovascular‐Kidney‐Metabolic Syndrome Stages, Journal of the American Heart Association. DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.125.046271
Journal information: Journal of the American Heart Association Provided by American Heart Association
