Does physical exercise prolong life? Twin study investigates

For decades, the belief that the regular practice of physical exercises is a secret to a longer life has been challenged by a controversial Finnish study.

Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä delved into a comprehensive analysis of 22,000 twin brothers over 45 years, from 1975 to 2020, questioning the direct influence of exercise on life expectancy.

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Published as a preprint on the MedRxiv platform, the study raises intriguing questions about whether physical activity prolongs life or simply reflects healthy characteristics.

O scientist George M. Savva of the Quadram Institute in the United Kingdom highlights the inherent complexity of human behavior and biology, emphasizing that variables such as genetics, diet and socioeconomic conditions come into play.

Although initial results indicate a 24% reduction in the mortality rate for the most active twins, the inclusion of factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and Body Mass Index (BMI) significantly reduced this benefit.

The difference in the mortality rate between the least active and the rest narrowed to 9%, suggesting that other elements play a crucial role in longevity.

Researcher Savva highlights the difficulty of establishing a direct causality between exercise and life expectancy, emphasizing that the complex interaction of multiple factors influences the results.

While the Finnish study questions the magnitude of exercise’s impact on longevity, it is noteworthy that the proven benefits of exercise, such as preventing disease and improving mood, remain undeniable.

This one studyhowever, requires careful and critical analysis by the scientific community, highlighting the need for additional reviews and confirmations in subsequent studies.

The dialogue surrounding the intersection between exercise, genes and longevity is far from complete, but the insights provided open the door to a deeper understanding of the complexity underlying this field of research.