New Delhi | Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

Simple daily movements such as walking inside the house, doing routine chores or engaging in light outdoor activity can significantly reduce the risk of death among people suffering from cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, a new study has revealed, underlining the life-saving potential of small and sustainable lifestyle changes.


A research letter published online on January 7 in the Journal of the American Heart Association reports that light-intensity physical activity is associated with a substantially lower risk of all-cause mortality in individuals with CKM syndrome at stage 2 and above. The findings offer renewed hope for patients who are unable to perform strenuous exercise due to chronic illness or physical limitations.


Small Steps, Strong Impact
The study, led by Joseph Sartini of Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, analysed data from 7,246 adults who participated in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2003 and 2006. Researchers focused on everyday movements that do not significantly raise heart rate, examining their long-term impact on survival across different stages of CKM syndrome.


The analysis found that light physical activity accounted for the largest share of total movement across all stages of the disease. Participants in the early stages spent nearly five hours a day in light activity, while even those in advanced stages averaged about three and a half hours daily—often representing almost their entire physical activity.


Lower Mortality, Even Without Intense Exercise
Over a median follow-up period of 14.4 years, mortality rates increased steadily with the severity of CKM syndrome. However, a crucial trend emerged:
among patients in CKM stages 2 to 4, higher levels of light physical activity consistently translated into lower death risk.
Researchers noted that each additional hour of light activity reduced mortality risk by 14 to 20 per cent, with the most pronounced benefit seen in patients with advanced disease. Importantly, these gains were largely independent of moderate-to-vigorous exercise, confirming that the benefit stemmed from sustained low-level movement rather than intense workouts.


An Underused Therapeutic Tool
Commenting on the findings, Sartini said light physical activity remains an underutilised yet powerful intervention for CKM patients. Encouraging gentle movement throughout the day, he noted, could be a practical and achievable strategy to improve survival, especially for those unable to engage in demanding physical exercise.


A Public Health Message
As heart disease, diabetes and kidney disorders continue to rise globally, the study reinforces a clear and reassuring message:
movement—no matter how mild—matters.
For millions living with complex chronic conditions, simply staying gently active may not only improve daily functioning, but also extend life itself.