Cholesterol reduction and increased cardiovascular fitness following a 12 weeks brisk walking

J Nutr Health Aging. 2002;6(2):138-40.

Abstract

The effects of a walking training programme were assesed on 10 healthy, active men aged 63-69 years. Serum lipids, pulse and blood pressure, maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max) and anthropometric parameters, were measured before and after this programme. There was a significant fall in LDL (p<0.02) and mean diastolic BP (p<0.005). In spite of the subjects's initial good level of fitness there was still an 8% rise in the mean VO2 max of the group. There was also a significant loss of body fat (P<0.01). These positive physiological effects suggest that brisk walking can be considered as a a useful activity for improving the fitness and general health in this age-range.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anthropometry
  • Blood Pressure
  • Body Composition
  • Cholesterol, HDL / blood*
  • Cholesterol, LDL / blood*
  • Hemodynamics
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Oxygen Consumption
  • Physical Fitness / physiology*
  • Walking / physiology*

Substances

  • Cholesterol, HDL
  • Cholesterol, LDL