Daily 15-minute brisk walks reduce mortality by 20%, while long slow walks lower it by only 4%, according to the study “Daily Walking and Mortality Among U.S. Adults Across Race and Socioeconomic Status.”

The research paper was prepared by a team of scientists from Vanderbilt University and the University of Wisconsin in the United States.

“A significant association was found between all-cause mortality and daily brisk walking. A brisk walk of just 15 minutes a day reduces overall mortality by about 20%, whereas a three-hour daily walk at a slow pace reduces mortality by only 4%,” the study states.

The researchers analyzed data from more than 79,800 people. They found that the reduction in mortality risk was more pronounced in participants with underlying health conditions than in those who were generally healthy, although brisk walking benefited everyone.

“Regular walking, especially brisk walking, leads to reduced mortality. The results highlight the importance of promoting brisk walks as a feasible and effective strategy for improving health outcomes,” the researchers concluded.