Researchers have concluded that sprinting can be a highly effective way to extend life—but it’s not for everyone.
Canadian and Australian scientists conducted a large retrospective study and found that professional sprinting can be a safeguard against premature death. The analysis covered data from the 1950s to the 1970s, revealing that the two hundred individuals who completed 1.6 kilometers in under four minutes during that period lived nearly five years longer than their peers.
The first person to achieve this feat was British runner Sir Roger Bannister, whose record dates back to 1954. He passed away in 2018 at the age of 88. His record has since been matched by 1,754 other runners, most of whom hail from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Kenya.
The researchers’ findings challenge the theories of some other scientists regarding extreme physical exertion, noted Steve Foulks, co-author of the new study and a research associate at the University of Alberta (Canada). Those who disagree with his team argue that the immense stress professional athletes place on their bodies can lead to heart problems and premature death.
How the Study Was Conducted
Thus, the team examined data from 200 runners who completed 1.6 kilometers in under four minutes between 1954 and 1974. By analyzing information from the Sub-4 Chronicle database, the scientists aimed to determine whether there was a link between sprint training and longevity. At the start of the study, 30 percent of the athletes had passed away, the Daily Mail reported.
Overall, the researchers found that these runners lived, on average, four years and eight months longer than their peers who did not set records. This is likely due to the fact that sprinters gain similar benefits from training as non-professionals do from moderate exercise.
The team believes this serves as evidence that any form of exercise that suits you can be beneficial for your health and longevity.
“The essence of exercise is that it’s a stress, but it’s a stress that our bodies can handle, adapt to, and become stronger from,” said Steve Foulks.
Sprinting helps improve circulation, keep the heart strong, support the immune system, and avoid lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and obesity.
Dr. Foulks recalled a significant 2013 study that examined how 17,000 Danes aged over time. Those who regularly engaged in jogging lived approximately five years longer than the rest of the cohort.
Meanwhile, another large-scale study published in 2022 in the journal Circulation showed that individuals who exercised more than recommended had a 38 percent lower risk of heart disease.
According to Steve Foulks, it’s not necessary to break sprinting records; regular moderate exercise is more than sufficient.
The results of the study were published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.