Walking in a polluted space would counter its benefits in the elderly, according to a study published in Lancet on Tuesday, 5 December. The study was carried out with participants with and without chronic cardiopulmonary diseases over the age of 60 by researchers at Duke University and Imperial College London.
The findings showed adverse effects of bad air quality even while walking at a normal pace.
The study concluded that healthy people as well as those with chronic cardiorespiratory problems should avoid walking in polluted environments. It will not only reduce the benefits of exercise, but might actually make it more harmful. Green spaces, away from traffic and construction sites, as far away from pollution as possible, are ideal spaces for outdoor exercise.
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(With inputs from The Lancet.)
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