A study led by the University of Sydney and soon to be published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine examined over 80,000 British adults and compared various sports participation and mortality risk with those who did not participate.
The study reported that participation in racquet sports such as, tennis, badminton, and squash corresponded with a 47% lower risk of all causes of mortality. Participation in swimming revealed a 28% lower risk of mortality, aerobics had a 27% lower chance and cyclists had a 15% lower chance. Surprisingly soccer and running were not associated with a reduced risk of mortality. When looking specifically at cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk of death there was a 59% reduction in risk among those participating in racquet sports, a 41% lower risk amongst swimmers, and a 36% lower chance associated with aerobics participation. Surprisingly cycling was not associated with a reduction in CVD mortality specifically.
Sports participation may have a variety of health benefits, the study supports the existing body of evidence indicating that sport participation has a positive influence on community togetherness and an important potential to promote public health. Also, there is a social aspect to racquet sports not usually seen with jogging, swimming etc. There have been numerous studies that have documented people with frequent daily social interactions with other people live longer and healthier and are happier !
Long Live Roger Federer !