Accumulated daily step counts versus physical fitness and sedentary behaviour: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Physical inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle are major causes of many health issues, including diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disorders. Physical activities like walking, which are simple to include into everyday routines, have been pushed as a means of addressing these health issues. Increasing the number of steps taken each day is one such tactic that is frequently suggested to enhance physical health and fitness. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of higher daily step counts on various physical fitness metrics while accounting for the diverse results documented in earlier investigations. Methods:Several databases were combed in accordance with the PRISMA procedure to find pertinent publications. To account for the expected heterogeneity, the meta-analysis generated forest plots showing mean difference (MD) under a random effects (RE) model. Results: A total of 13 studies were examined. According to certain research, there was little change in heart rate, weight, or body fat. Others demonstrated that some people's cholesterol and body fat decreased. Combined, the data suggested that walking more steps had no effect on VO2 max, a fitness metric (average difference -0.26, 95% confidence interval [-1.27, 0.75], I2 = 79%, p = 0.008). However, increasing step count did appear to reduce body mass index (BMI) (average difference -1.14, 95% confidence interval [-1.92, -0.36], I2 = 32%, p = 0.18). The resting heart rate (RHR) was not significantly affected by an increase in step count (average difference -1.85, 95% confidence interval [-3.82, 0.12], I2 = 0%, p = 0.67). Conclusion:The review emphasised how different step counts have an influence on health outcomes. Although there were increases in certain fitness metrics, such as BMI, there were no discernible changes in VO2 max and RHR. It is advised to take into account higher step counts as part of a multifaceted strategy to improve general health and well-being, based on the thorough analysis of available data. These results highlight the necessity for tailored advice for physical activity levels depending on particular fitness objectives and health profiles.