Walking 8,000 steps, or about 6.4 kilometers, once or twice a week contributes to a significant reduction in the risk of early death , according to a study published Tuesday.

It is already known that regular physical activity reduces the risk of death, but the study published in the journal "Jama Network Open" deals with the health benefits of vigorous walking just a few days a week.

Researchers from Kyoto University and University of California, Los Angeles analyzed data on 3,101 American adults.

The researchers found that those who walk eight thousand steps or more once or twice a week are 14.9 percent less likely to die over a ten-year period than those who do not walk that much.

Those who walked such long distances three to seven times a week had a 16.5 percent lower risk of dying.

The benefits of walking distances of 8,000 steps or more once or twice a week are most evident in people over the age of 65.

The scientists noted that the study showed "a link between the number of days a person walks 8,000 steps or more per week and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and all other causes."

They conclude from the study that "people can achieve significant health benefits from walking just a few days a week."

The researchers based this study on the daily steps recorded by the participants between 2005 and 2006 and then studied their mortality rate ten years later.

632 of those included in the study did not reach the limit of walking eight thousand steps at least one day a week, while it was found that 532 people walk this amount or more once or twice a week, and that 1937 people walk this distance from three to seven times a week. .

Americans walk an average of 3,000 to 4,000 steps per day, according to data from the Mayo Clinic, which stresses that walking as a regular physical activity can reduce the risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and depression.