Is being a “weekend warrior” – concentrating moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) over 1–2 days -- associated with brain health, like MVPA over several days weekly? Yes, according to an analysis of 75,629 participants in the UK Biobank with validated accelerometry data.

The researchers classified participants into three PA patterns using current guideline thresholds: inactive (<150 min week of MVPA); weekend warrior (≥150 min week, with  ≥50% of total MVPA occurring within 1–2 days); and regularly active (≥150 min week but not meeting weekend warrior criteria).

The researchers found that the weekend warrior pattern is associated with similarly lower risks of dementia, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, depressive disorders and anxiety compared to a regularly active pattern, and conclude that “the weekend warrior pattern as a potential alternative in preventive intervention strategies, particularly for those unable to maintain daily activity routines.”

To read the abstract of the study, published in Nature Aging, click here