Just 20-25 minutes of daily physical activity can counteract the increased risk of death from prolonged sitting.

A new study has analysed data from nearly 12,000 individuals aged 50 and above, finding that sitting for more than 12 hours a day was linked to a 38% higher risk of death, but this risk was reduced among those who engaged in at least 22 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day.

The research, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, highlights the benefits of daily physical activity in mitigating the risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle, which is common in developed countries where adults spend an average of 9 to 10 hours sitting each day.

To obtain more precise results, the researchers analysed individual participant data from four groups of individuals who wore activity trackers. 

In total, 12,000 people were included in the study, and they were monitored for at least two years. 

The findings indicate that while higher levels of physical activity are associated with a lower risk of death, the impact of sedentary time on mortality is significantly reduced with increased physical activity.

Although the study is observational and cannot establish causation, the researchers suggest that even small amounts of moderate to vigorous physical activity can help reduce the mortality risk associated with prolonged sitting. 

Accumulating more than 22 minutes of such activity each day appeared to eliminate the risk associated with high sedentary time. 

However, the study has its limitations, as it did not account for certain influential factors, such as diet and general health, and it was unable to monitor changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviour over time.