The effect of a walking program on health and fitness in sendentary middle-aged women

This study investigated the effect of a 6 month walking program on cardiorespiratory fitness and health related parameters. Twenty two sedentary women females with one or more cardiovascular risk factor (obesity, hypertension, or hypercholesterolemia) underwent baseline laboratory measures. These measurements included: resting heart rate and blood pressure, resting ECG, body mass index, BIA, skinfold measures, wait-to-hip, blood lipid profile, and VO2max. The VO2max was determined by an exercise treadmill test using the BSU Ramp Protocol. Seven subjects completed the study. Following baseline measures, the subjects were instructed to walk at an intensity of 60% heart rate reserve, at least 3 times per week, expending 1200 - 1400 kcals per week. On average, subjects walked at an intensity of - 60% heart rate reserve, expending 1226 ± 386 kcals per week. Walking, on average 4.5 times per week increased VO2max significantly (P = .05) from 21.0 + 3.4 to 24.5 + 3.9 ml/kg/min. Percent fat decreased from 38.8% ± 4 to 35.2 + 2.1. There were no changes in serum lipids, blood pressure, body weight, BMI, and WHR in response to the exercise program. These data show that previously sedentary middle-aged women demonstrate significant improvement in maximal cardiorespiratory fitness through moderate exercise training. Longer duration programs, or simultaneous changes in diet, may be necessary to alter serum lipids in sedentary middle-aged females.School of Physical EducationThesis (M.A.