The health benefits of regular exercise may last a lifetime, according to a new analysis.
The study was carried out by Dr Rachel Cooper of University College London, UK, and her team including researchers in Australia. It used figures from about 2,400 men and women taking part in the UK Medical Research Council National Survey of Health and Development.
Leisure time physical activity was recorded at 36, 43 and 53 years of age. Grip strength, standing balance, and chair rise times were measured at 53 years, to indicate strength and physical performance.
Greater activity at all ages was linked to better performance on the chair rise test, representing lower body strength and power, and heart health. Greater activity at ages 43 and 53 led to better performance on the standing balance test, which "requires subtle motor control and measures a number of neurophysiological and sensory systems".
But grip strength, indicating upper-body muscle condition, was not linked to exercise at all in women, and only with exercise at age 53 in men. Full results are to be published in the October issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Dr Cooper said: "Maintaining physical performance and muscle strength with age is important given that lower levels in older populations are associated with increased risk of subsequent health problems, loss of independence, and shorter survival times.
"We found that there are cumulative benefits of physical activity across adulthood on physical performance in mid-life. Increased activity should be promoted early in adulthood to ensure the maintenance of physical performance in later life."
She added: "Promotion of leisure time activity is likely to become increasingly important in younger populations as people’s daily routines become more sedentary."
Cooper, R. et al. Physical Activity Across Adulthood and Physical Performance in Midlife: Findings from a British Birth Cohort. The American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Vol. 41, October 2011.
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