SCIENCE & SPORTS

Aim. - This study examined the effects of 12 weeks of walking programs on serum lipids, high-sensitive C-reactive protein, and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2. Methods. - Twenty-six pre-menopausal women (30-49 years) completed 12 weeks of walking programs either at moderate or high intensity (50-55%, 70-75% maximum heart rate reserve, respectively). Estimated maximal oxygen consumption was assessed with a 2-km walking test; body composition, blood lipids, high-sensitive C-reactive protein, and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 were measured before and after the study. Results. - Maximal oxygen consumption increased, favoring high-intensity group; body weights, percent body fat (p<0.01) and body mass index (p<0.05) decreased in both exercise groups. There were no significant changes in the measured blood lipids in any of the groups, except for a significant reduction in low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol in high-intensity group (p<0.05). High-sensitive C-reactive protein and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 levels reduced significantly in high-intensity (p<0.01) and moderate-intensity (p