Effect of Brisk Walking and Moderate Resistive Exercises on Physical Fitness Level in Middle-aged Women: A Randomised Clinical Tria

Abstract

Introduction: Insufficient physical activity is considered as one of the leading risk factors for global mortality and morbidity. American College of Sports Medicine recommended an engagement of minimum 150 minutes per week of moderate physical activity. Physical fitness gradually declines with aging. Low muscle strength and decline in the ability to produce force quickly (power) are associated with low walking speed and, further, with mobility limitations. In India, women are more physically inactive than men. Women shows more rapid decline in physical activity than men in middle age. This sex difference may be due to the hormonal changes and barriers such as lack of time, lack of motivation, lack of energy, self awareness and health problems. Aim: To evaluate the effect of brisk walking and moderate resistive exercises on body weight, body fat percentage (Skinfold Caliper), six minute walk distance covered and Physical Fitness Index (PFI) in middle-aged women. Materials and Methods: A randomised clinical study was conducted in Outpatient Department at Dr. D.Y. Patil college of Physiotherapy, India, from November 2021 to January 2022. Total 40 subjects, between age group of 40-60 years with low physical activity, assessed by International Physical Activity Questionnaire, were included in the study. Subjects were divided into two groups with simple random sampling using lottery method. Group A (experimental group; n=20) brisk walking with moderate resistive exercises were given. Group B (conventional group; n=20) includes only brisk walking. The protocol was given for four days a week for four weeks. The outcome measures taken were body weight, body fat percentage, physical fitness index and six minute walk distance. The statistical analysis was done using Medcalc software 18.2.1. Results: The mean age was 45.55±5.73 for group A and 43.30±4.62 for group B. The mean difference of Body weight (BW), Body Fat percentage (BF%), 6 minute walk distance (6MWD) and Physical Fitness Index (PFI) was 1.56, 1.98, -18.82, and -182.34 respectively for group A and 0.23, 1.22, -8.23, -126.16 for group B. On intergroup comparison, the mean difference of BW, BF%, 6MWD and PFI was 1.33, 0.76, -10.59 and -56.18. This shows significant difference between the groups. Conclusion: Brisk walking and moderate resistive exercise can be used as effective treatment in weight management to improve physical fitness level in middle-aged women.