MELBOURNE, Sept. 9 -- Taking fewer daily steps at a faster pace may substantially lower the risk of early death by up to 43 percent, new research finds.

The study analyzed movement data from over 64,000 middle-aged participants in the UK Biobank who wore activity trackers for seven consecutive days between 2013 and 2015 to monitor the number and intensity of daily steps taken, according to a statement released Wednesday by Australia's Monash University.

Published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the research found that walking at a brisker pace may be the sweet spot for those with sedentary lifestyles.

The findings could help people who struggle to increase their daily step count due to lack of time, disability or environment...