Khaberni - Researchers report that engaging in physical activity in general is a better choice than being inactive, though exercising early in the morning may entail a "treasure" of additional health benefits.
This is the first study of its kind to assess the amount and timing of exercise based on the long-term use of wearable devices
By tracking 14,000 American volunteers and monitoring their heart rate data through "Fitbit" devices, the researchers found that individuals who exercise frequently in the morning were 31% less likely to develop coronary artery disease compared to those who exercise later in the day.
The results also showed a decreased likelihood of other diseases in the same group; including an 18% reduction in the risk of hypertension, 21% for high cholesterol, 30% for type 2 diabetes, in addition to a 35% decrease in the likelihood of obesity, regardless of the total amount of daily physical activity performed.
According to the study, exercising specifically between 7 and 8 am was associated with the lowest rates of likelihood for coronary artery disease.
The research team plans to present these findings during the annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology scheduled to be held this month in New Orleans.
This is the first study of its kind that assesses the amount and timing of exercise based on long-term use of wearable devices, yet, the data does not confirm whether the relationship between exercise timing and metabolic heart health is a direct causal relationship, or if it is affected by other variables.
The researchers indicated that biological factors such as hormones, sleep quality, and genes, alongside behavioral and psychological factors, might play a role in these findings, affirming that additional research could help determine the impact of these factors and provide precise exercise recommendations.
Breem Patel, the leader of the study and a medical student at the University of Massachusetts Chan School of Medicine, said in a statement: "Previously, the focus was primarily on the amount or intensity of physical activity. Now, with one in three Americans owning a wearable device, we can monitor exercises minute by minute, opening up broad new prospects for fresh analyses".
