Physical Activity and its Effect on Reducing Disease: A Literature Review of The National Runner's Health Study

In 1996, Dr. Paul Williams began The National Runner’s Health Study. The study had over one hundred thousand respondents who were questioned about their physical activity habits (walking or running), diet, weight, height, and use or previous use of tobacco and alcohol. Some of the participants were involved in case studies of several years. Primarily, the study tested the effects of vigorous physical activity and its ability to reduce disease. For close to twenty years, Dr. Williams has continued an impressive amount of research on various topics in the health and exercise field. The study is one of the most informative resources of knowledge of the benefits of physical activity available. Primarily, it looks at the effects of physical activity on coronary heart disease, hypertension, cholesterolemia, and diabetes. However, the range of topics the study covers is immense.