Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this review was to perform a meta-analysis on walking intervention studies in order to quantify the magnitude and direction of walking-induced changes that may alter selected cardiovascular risk factors. Method: Twenty-four randomised controlled trials of walking were assessed for quality on a three-point scale. Data from these studies were pooled and treatment effects (TEs) were calculated for six traditional cardiovascular risk variables: body weight, body mass index (BMI), percentage body fat, aerobic fitness (VO2 max in ml kg- 1 min- 1) and resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Weighted TEs were analysed using a random effects model with weights obtained using the inverse of the individual TE variances. Random effects models were used to investigate the influence of both study quality and exercise volume (< 150 vs. ≥ 150 min week- 1). Results: Random effects modelling showed that walking interventions increased VO2 max and decreased body weight, BMI, percent body fat and resting diastolic blood pressure in previously sedentary adults (p < 0.05 for all). Conclusion: The results of this study provide evidence that healthy but sedentary individuals who take up a programme of regular brisk walking improves several known risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 377-385 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Preventive Medicine |
Volume | 44 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - May 2007 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Blood pressure
- Cardiovascular risk
- Fatness
- Fitness
- Meta-analysis
- Walking