More Time Engaged in Light Physical Activity Is Associated with Less Disability

Physical activity improves health outcomes and lowers disability risk. Current guidelines recommend 150 minutes weekly of moderate-to-vigorous–intensity activity, but whether light-intensity activity lowers risk for disability is unclear. In this prospective study, investigators determined whether time spent in light-intensity activity (e.g., casual walking, pushing a grocery cart, light housework [personal communication from an author]) was associated with incident disability (i.e., limitations in instrumental or basic activities of daily living) or disability progression in 1814 adults (age range, 49–83) with or at high risk for knee osteoarthritis. Physical activity was measured using accelerometers.

During 2 years of follow-up, the incid…