Multiple sclerosis sufferers can reduce the fatigue that accompanies their condition by undertaking short bursts of moderately intense exercise, such as walking or cycling, according to new research.
But in the long run, he added, regular exercise -- "about 45 minutes of a moderately intense activity like fitness walking done virtually every day" -- is crucial to weight management.
Moderately intense physical activity included sport activities, walking, cycling, gardening and performing heavy housework.
Avoid cigarette smoking and engage in daily (or nearly so) moderately intense aerobic exercise like brisk walking, cycling and lap swimming.
We also assessed the daily duration of moderately intense activity including occupational activity (MET = 3.0 to 6.0), such as walking and leisurely bicycling, and vigorously intense activity (MET >6.0), such as jogging, running and fast bicycling.
Likewise, previous studies have indicated that an hour a day of moderately intense exercise is more effective at preventing heart disease than half an hour.
Catherine Collins, of the British Dietetic Association, said the doctors had downplayed the metabolic and physical health benefits of undertaking even moderately intense exercise and had used "incomplete evidence" to make their case.
Currently in Britain, just 40percentnt of men and 26percentnt of women take enough exercise - defined as 30 minutes of moderately intense physical activity on five or more days a week.
