Walking has long been known as one of the easiest and most accessible forms of exercise. A brisk walk around the neighborhood or a nearby park can help improve cardiovascular health, increase muscle strength, and boost overall well-being.

But a recent study has shown that the pace you walk at may also be linked to cognitive health and cancer.

What the Study Found

The study, which was conducted by researchers from Duke University Medical Center and published in the journal JAMA Network Open, followed nearly 475,000 participants over a period of six and a half years.

During that time, the participants completed a baseline physical fitness exam which included a walking test. The researchers found that those who walked at a slower pace were at a higher risk for developing both dementia and cancer than those who walked at a faster pace.

The study authors noted that even small improvements in walking speed could have a significant impact on overall health and longevity.

They also suggested that walking speed could be used as a simple and low-cost method for predicting cognitive decline and cancer risk.

Why Walking Speed Matters

While the study could not definitively prove that walking speed was directly causing the increased risk of dementia and cancer, the researchers did offer a few theories as to why this might be the case.

For one, walking speed is often a reflection of overall physical fitness and robustness. Those who are able to walk at a brisk pace are likely to have stronger muscles and better cardiovascular health, which can also help protect against cognitive decline and cancer.

Additionally, walking at a faster pace requires more complex neural coordination than walking at a slower pace. The researchers noted that this increased neural activity could be helping to protect against brain-related diseases like dementia.

How to Increase Walking Speed

If you’re concerned about your walking speed and want to make improvements, there are a few things you can try. Of course, it’s important to speak with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine.

One strategy is to incorporate interval training into your walking routine. This involves alternating periods of faster walking with periods of slower walking.

For example, you might try walking at a brisk pace for one minute, then slowing down and walking at a more leisurely pace for two minutes, and repeating this pattern for 20-30 minutes.

You can also work on strengthening your leg muscles. Exercises like squats, lunges, and calf raises can all help improve your walking speed and overall physical fitness.

In addition to these strategies, it’s important to maintain a healthy diet and get enough sleep each night. These factors can also play a role in overall physical fitness and cognitive health.

Final Thoughts

While more research is needed to fully understand the link between walking speed and cognitive health/cancer risk, this study is an important step in uncovering potential connections.

Whether you’re a naturally fast walker or someone who moves at a more leisurely pace, incorporating more physical activity into your daily routine can have numerous health benefits. So go ahead and take an extra lap around the block – your body (and brain!) will thank you for it.