Study: Chronotype-Aligned Exercise Boosts CVD Risk Reduction

A new study has found that timing exercise to match an individual's natural body clock can more effectively lower cardiovascular disease risk factors than exercising at mismatched times, particularly for middle-aged adults already vulnerable to heart issues.

Researchers from the United Kingdom and Pakistan conducted a randomized controlled trial involving 150 participants aged 40 to 60, all of whom had at least one cardiovascular risk factor, such as high blood pressure, overweight or obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, or a family history of premature heart disease. Chronotype, the innate preference for morning or evening alertness that influences sleep-wake patterns, hormone levels, and daily energy, was assessed using the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire and 48-hour core body temperature monitoring. Participants were classified as morning larks or night owls and randomly assigned to perform moderate-intensity aerobic exercise—brisk treadmill walking for 40 minutes, five times a week—either aligned with their chronotype or not. Sessions occurred between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. for mornings or 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. for evenings, over 12 weeks.

Of the group, 134 completed all 60...