Lack of cause-effect evidence for the association between exercise and mortality: a true scientific debate for a false clinical issue
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12820/rbafs.23e0035Keywords:
Physical activity, Exercise, Mortality, Cause-effect associationAbstract
A recent debate raises the issue that there is no cause-effect data from well-powered randomized controlled trials showing that exercise decreases mortality. In this opinion article, we further discuss this issue focusing on the definitions of physical activity (PA) and exercise and the clinical meaningfulness of mortality in the context of PA and exercise. In sum, although mortality is a major clinical outcome, the extent to which its risk should guide PA global recommendations and even exercise prescription is probably negligible, in particular for the large majority of healthy individuals. The debate about prescribing exercise on the basis of cause-effect association regarding mortality is a scientific debate rather than a clinical decision discussion. Health professionals should continuing to stimulate sedentary people to increase their PA and to prescribe exercise adapted to the target population as both a preventive strategy and a therapeutic element, focusing in clinical outcomes individuals consider important.
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Copyright (c) 2018 Philipe de Souto Barreto, Kelly Samara Silva
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