Exercising outdoors 'reduces risk of falls'
11/06/2010 People who regularly spend time exercising outdoors are less likely to experience falls, a new study suggests.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh carried out the study on over 10,600 people between the ages of 20 and 87.
The team found that in general two hours or more of exercising outdoors or indoors each week can reduce the risk of falls.
A man's likelihood of falling decreased dramatically as their fitness levels increased, while the change was less marked among women, the researchers found.
Dr Kristin Mertz, the lead author of the study from the epidemiology department at the University of Pittsburgh, said that they were "surprised" about the difference between the sexes.
"We were not surprised that people 65 and older were no more likely to report falling than younger people, given that younger people are more likely to engage in more risky activities, such as standing on ladders, running and playing sports," she added.
Speaking to the Independent recently, Dr Nerina Ramlakhan, author of Tired but Wired, said that spending time exercising outdoors can also improve people's sleep.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh carried out the study on over 10,600 people between the ages of 20 and 87.
The team found that in general two hours or more of exercising outdoors or indoors each week can reduce the risk of falls.
A man's likelihood of falling decreased dramatically as their fitness levels increased, while the change was less marked among women, the researchers found.
Dr Kristin Mertz, the lead author of the study from the epidemiology department at the University of Pittsburgh, said that they were "surprised" about the difference between the sexes.
"We were not surprised that people 65 and older were no more likely to report falling than younger people, given that younger people are more likely to engage in more risky activities, such as standing on ladders, running and playing sports," she added.
Speaking to the Independent recently, Dr Nerina Ramlakhan, author of Tired but Wired, said that spending time exercising outdoors can also improve people's sleep.
