Twelve weeks of community exercise improves health parameters in women living in a semi‐rural township in South Africa (884.25)

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the second highest leading cause of death in South Africa. The aim of this study was to instigate and complete a 12 wk exercise program in an African semi‐rural township and to assess its impact on body composition, blood pressure (BP) and lipid profile. Women (n=18) with average age 41(2) yr were recruited and measurements taken before and after 12 wk of exercise to determine: Waist:Hip ratio(W:H), systolic and diastolic BP (SBP; DBP), and lipid profiles including cholesterol, high and low density lipoproteins (HDL; LDL) and triglycerides (all mmol/L). Values are Mean(SE). The 12 w exercise program had no significant effect on body mass index: 31(2) to 30(2) kg/m2, but W:H ratio tended to decrease: 0.82(0.02) to 0.79(0.01) [p=0.059]. SBP was significantly reduced after exercise [137(5) to 127(4) mmHg; p=0.03], but not DBP. Total cholesterol levels declined from 4.5(0.2) to 4.2(0.2) (p=0.03). In conclusion, a community based exercise programme is feasible in obese women living in the township. Improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol levels and body composition are beneficial for improving individual health and reducing the risk of CVD.