Brisk Walking Program Research Articles

Two-year follow-up of a brisk walking programme on fitness, perceived health and physical activity engagement in postmenopausal women

Two-year follow-up of a brisk walking programme on fitness, perceived health and physical activity engagement in postmenopausal women

The effect of structured brain gym and brisk walking training on the executive functions of university students: a single-blinded randomised controlled trial

ABSTRACT The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of structured brain gym and brisk walking training on the executive functions (inhibitory control, working memory and cognitive flexibility) of university students. The study was designed as a single-blinded prospective randomised controlled trial with the participation of university students. 42 sedentary university students(18–25 years) joined in the study. The participants were randomly divided into three groups (two intervention groups and one control group): The Structured Brain Gym Group (SBGG), the Brisk Walking Group (BWG) and the Control Group (CG). The interventions consisted of 50-min exercise twice a week for an 8-week period. BWG attended into brisk walking programme as moderate-intensity aerobic exercise; meanwhile, SBGG performed structured brain gym activities. CG did not participate in any regular physical activities during the 8 weeks. Executive function tests (Stroop colour test, forward and backward digit span test, frontal assessment battery and verbal fluency test) were applied to the participants as a pre-test and post-test. Kruskal–Wallis, Wilcoxon test and Mann–Whitney U tests were used in the statistical analyses. According to the statistical analysis, both BWG and SBGG indicated significant improvement in inhibitory control (p < 0.05) and general frontal functions (p < 0.05) following the intervention. However, compared to BWG, the improvement in inhibitory control was better in SBGG. No change was found in working memory and cognitive flexibility in any of the groups. We can recommend that cognitively demanding and fun aerobic exercise tasks can be used to improve young adult’s inhibitory control.

Sugary snack restriction enhances body composition improvement in overweight women engaging in non-face-to-face walking during COVID-19.

This study assesses the impact of dietary modification, specifically sugary snack restriction, in conjunction with a brisk walking program on overweight management in young overweight women, with a focus on changes in body composition and glucose metabolism. An 8-week randomized controlled trial was conducted amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing a remote intervention approach to comply with health guidelines and ensure participant safety. The study's remote nature highlights adaptability in health interventions during challenging periods, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-one overweight Korean women aged 20-39, with an average BMI of 24.6, were selected for the study. They were divided into two groups: one engaging in brisk walking and the other combining this exercise with a sugary snack restriction, demonstrating the study's focus on comparative intervention efficacy. The exercise-only group showed notable reductions in glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR (p < 0.05), and total cholesterol levels (p < 0.01). In contrast, the group that combined exercise with dietary modification displayed more pronounced improvements in body weight, fat mass, and waist circumference (p < 0.05). This differential outcome emphasizes the added benefit of integrating dietary control with physical activity. The findings suggest that adding a dietary component, particularly a sugary snack restriction, to an exercise regimen can significantly enhance the effectiveness of overweight management in young women. This study underscores the importance of holistic lifestyle interventions that combine dietary and physical activity modifications for improved health outcomes.

Is Brisk Walking an Effective Physical Activity for promoting Taiwanese Adolescents' Mental Health?

PurposeThe aim of the study was to examine if brisk walking is an effective physical activity for promoting adolescents' mental health. Design and methodsThis quasi-experimental study employs a one-group repeated-measure design. Sixty-four volunteer students in 10th to 12th grade were recruited from a high school in central Taiwan, and they participated in a brisk-walking program for 12 weeks. Psychological functioning was measured by self-concept, anxiety, and depression scores (Beck Youth Inventories-Second Edition; BYI-II). Measurements were conducted at baseline, and 4, 10 and 16 weeks after baseline. The effects of the program were analyzed using generalized estimating equations (GEE). ResultsSignificant decreases were seen in anxiety and depression and an increase in positive self-concept. The effect of physical activity on anxiety was clear and could be observed after 6 weeks of the brisk-walking program. Brisk walking for 30-, 60-, and 90-min sessions was examined, with the 60-min session proving more effective than shorter or longer sessions. ConclusionsThe results suggest that a 12-week brisk-walking program may be effective both at decreasing depression and anxiety and at improving self-concept. The study also showed that anxiety could be considered a risk factor for depression. Further, self-concept was found to be a mediator acting on the psychosocial mechanism of physical activity promoting mental health in adolescents. Practice implicationsWhile most physical activity programs in past studies combined different activities, the present study demonstrated that brisk walking alone is a simple, effective exercise regime that promotes adolescents' mental health.

Effects of Rehabilitation Program on Quality of Life, Sleep, Rest-Activity Rhythms, Anxiety, and Depression of Patients With Esophageal Cancer: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Esophageal cancer patients experience severe symptoms and poor quality of life. We examined the effects of a rehabilitation program on quality of life, sleep, rest-activity rhythms, anxiety, and depression of esophageal cancer patients. Forty-four patients with esophageal cancer were randomly assigned to an experimental group, which underwent a 12-week brisk walking and diet education program, or a control group, which received standard care. Health-related quality of life, subjective and objective sleep quality, rest-activity rhythms, anxiety, and depression were assessed at baseline and post intervention. A generalized estimating equation analysis revealed that, after intervention, compared with the control group, the experimental group exhibited significantly improved reflux (P = .022; effect size, 0.32) and marginally improved emotional (P = .069; effect size, 0.27) and social (P = .069; effect size, 0.27) functions; constipation (P = .050; effect size, 0.29), eating difficulty (P = .058; effect size, 0.27), anxiety (P = .050; effect size, 0.29), and total sleep time (P = .068; effect size, 0.39). The rehabilitation program may improve health-related quality of life and sleep and alleviate anxiety in patients with esophageal cancer. A rehabilitation program comprising exercise and diet education is a feasible and low-cost intervention for improving quality of life of patients with esophageal cancer. Healthcare team members may consider it as a nonpharmacological treatment option for patients.

Effects of Brisk Walking on Plasma Lipoprotein(a), Total Antioxidant Status, Aerobic Fitness, Percent Body Fat, Waist Circumference and Resting Blood Pressure in Overweight and Obese Females

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a major public health challenge in many nations including Malaysia. Physical activity has been shown to be a modifiable determinant of obesity and non-communicable diseases. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of 6 weeks of brisk walking on plasma lipoprotein(a), total antioxidant status, percent body fat, aerobic fitness, waist circumference and resting blood pressure in overweight and obese females. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight females (Age: 23.2 ± 3.9 years BMI: 28.8 ± 4.5 kg.m-2) were randomly assigned into 2 groups: control (C) and brisk walking (BW) groups. Pre- and post-tests were carried out to measure participants’ anthropometric measurements, aerobic fitness, resting blood pressure and blood sample for lipoprotein(a) and total antioxidant levels. Participants in BW group performed the brisk walking exercise, 3 sessions per week for 6 weeks. Participants in C group maintained their sedentary lifestyle and refrained from any other training programme. Results: After 6 weeks of intervention, plasma lipoprotein(a) level was significantly reduced in both BW and C groups. There were also significant reductions in waist circumference, percent body fat and resting blood pressure in BW group. However, there were no significant differences in total antioxidant status and aerobic fitness after the brisk walking programme. Conclusion: 6 weeks of brisk walking programme reduces plasma lipoprotein(a), percent body fat, waist circumference and resting blood pressure in overweight and obese females. Therefore, brisk walking is an appropriate exercise to reduce some of the risk factors for noncommunicable diseases among overweight and obese females.

Six-Month Community-Based Brisk Walking and Balance Exercise Alleviates Motor Symptoms and Promotes Functions in People with Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

In Parkinson's disease (PD), sustained aerobic exercise is a promising therapy in delaying motor disability. Brisk walking is a moderate intensity aerobic training, which could be translated to community practice at low cost, but its effects on motor symptoms remains unclear. To determine the effectiveness of a six-month brisk walking and balance program in alleviating motor symptoms, and promoting functional, gait, and balance performance in people with PD. Seventy individuals with mild to moderate PD were randomly assigned to a brisk walking (BW) group or an active control (CON) group. BW group received ten 90-minute supervised brisk walking and balance exercise for six months (weeks 1-6: once/week, weeks 7-26: once/month). CON group received upper limb training. Both groups performed 2-3 self-practice sessions weekly. Primary outcome was Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) motor score. Secondary outcomes were fast gait speed (FGS), timed-up-and-go (TUG) time, six-minute walk distance (6MWD), and Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BEST) score. Sixty-four participants (33 BW/31 CON) completed training. BW group showed greater significant decreases from baseline than CON group in MDS-UPDRS motor score after six weeks (-5.5 vs -1.6, p < 0.001) and 6 months (-6.0 vs -1.4, p < 0.001) of training. BW group also showed greater significant improvement from the baseline than CON group for TUG time, FGS, 6MWD, and mini-BEST score (all p < 0.05). The six-month brisk walking and balance program alleviates motor symptoms, promotes functional and gait performance, walking capacity, and dynamic balance in people with mild to moderate PD.

Effectiveness of Brisk Walking Exercise on Glycaemic Control and Cardio-Vascular Risk Factors in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Objective: Our aim is to evaluate the effect of brisk walking exercise on anthropometric characteristics, blood parameters, physical performance and cardiovascular risk in Algerian type 2 diabetic patients.&#x0D; Methods: A comparative interventional study was performed in Mascara (north-western Algeria) on patients with type 2 diabetes. All participants were subjected to a physical activity program that consisted of brisk walking sessions during seven months. Anthropometric characteristics, biochemical parameters, physical performance and cardiovascular risk indices were evaluated and compared between the two genders. &#x0D; Results: Fifty-three (22 men and 31 women) type 2 diabetic patients with were involved in the study. The mean age of all participants was 50.86±11.07 years. No difference between the two genders was observed with respect to age, anthropometrics, systolic blood pressure, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and all biochemical parameters and lipid ratios. A gradual decrease in most anthropometric, clinical, biochemical parameters, and blood pressure levels have been disclosed after seven-month (28 weeks) of follow-up of the brisk walking programme. Higher significant decreases (p&lt;0.001) in fasting, post-effort and postprandial blood glycaemia were observed in both genders during all stages of our study. No significant differences were showed on lipid ratios; moreover, the majority of lipid ratios values were within the normal thresholds. The entirely recorded values of VO2max, body mass index (BMI) and heart rate were slightly higher in females comparing to males with both levels of glycated haemoglobin.&#x0D; Conclusion: The practice of three brisk walking sessions per week at a rate of 30 minutes each has beneficial impact on anthropometric parameters, biochemical parameters, physical performance, glycaemic control and on the reduction of cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetic patients of both genders.&#x0D; Keywords: Brisk walking, Type 2 diabetes, Glycaemic control, Blood parameters, Cardiovascular risk

Effects of Energy and Macronutrient Cycling on Weight Loss, Body Composition, and Markers of Health in Obese Women Participating in a Resistance-Based Exercise Program

Purpose: To determine whether adherence to a repeating 30-d non-linear diet intervention while participating in a supervised exercise program that includes resistance-exercise would promote weight and fat loss without weight loss plateau and whether alterations in carbohydrate and protein intake may influence results. Methods: Fifty sedentary and obese pre-menopausal females (35.2±7.6 years; 88.7±18 kg, 32.6±6 kg/m2, 42.5±4.2% fat) were randomly assigned to an exercise-only (EX) or EX plus diets containing higher proportions of carbohydrate or protein. Diets were hypoenergetic for 30-d (7-d at 1,200 kcals/d, 21-d at 1,500 kcal/d), more isoenergetic for 30-d (2,200 kcals/d), and repeated three times during a 24-wk intervention. Diets were either 45:30:24 (HCD) or 30:45:25 (HPD) carbohydate:protein:fat. All participants performed 30-min resistance exercise (3 d/wk) and a brisk walking program (3 d/wk). Data were analyzed by general linear model (GLM) statistics with repeated measures and presented as mean changes from baseline (mean [UL, LL]). Results: Participants experienced a significant and reduction in body weight (EX -2.24 [-6.5, 2.0], EX+HCD -6.99 [-9.4, -4.5], EX+HPD -4.49 [-7.1, -1.8] %), fat mass (EX -3.45 [-10.9, 4.03], EX+HCD -12.15 [-16.4, -7.9], EX+HPD -8.54 [-13.2, -3.9] %), and percent body fat (EX -1.30 [-5.6, 3.0], EX+HCD -5.91 [-8.3, -3.5], EX+HPD -4.31 [-7.0, -1.6] %) with those in the EX+HCD experiencing a more linear response. Participants in the EX and EX+HCD groups maintained fat-free mass to a better degree (EX -0.89 [-4.0, 2.2], EX+HCD -3.21 [-5.0, -1.2], EX+HPD -1.92 [-3.8, 0.002] %). Participants dieting generally experiencing greater benefit with some evidence that those in the EX+HPD experienced greater changes in blood lipids. Conclusion: A 30-day repeated non-linear diet can promote fat and weight loss without a plateau. Consuming a HPD may help maintain fat-free mass during weight loss and improve some markers of health compared to HCD interventions.

The effect of a 12-week home-based walking program on reducing fatigue in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy: A randomized controlled study

BackgroundFatigue is the most common symptom experienced by cancer patients during treatment and can last long after completing treatment. Fatigue in cancer patients who have completed treatment is well known to be reduced by exercise, but the effect of exercise on reducing fatigue in patients under treatment has been inconsistent. ObjectivesThe purposes of this study were to examine short-term and long-term effects of an individually tailored, home-based brisk walking program on reducing fatigue in breast cancer patients under chemotherapy. Design, setting, participantsFor this randomized controlled trial, women were recruited from a medical center in northern Taiwan if they were diagnosed with stages I-III breast cancer and experienced insomnia, fatigue, pain, or depressive symptoms after their first cycle of chemotherapy. Consenting participants (N = 159) were randomly assigned to either an exercise (12-week home-based walking program) group (n = 81) or an attention-control group (n = 78). MethodsThe 12-week, home-based brisk walking program started on the first day of the third chemotherapy cycle. Fatigue was measured by the Brief Fatigue Inventory. Covariates, i.e., functional performance, sleep disturbance, anxiety, depression, and exercise-related variables, were also measured. Data were collected at baseline, two times during the exercise intervention, and five times after the exercise intervention (eight times in total). The effects of time-varying and time-invariant predictors on fatigue were analyzed by multilevel modeling. ResultsFatigue levels increased over time for both groups, even after completing treatment. At the end of the 12-week exercise program, the exercise group had less fatigue than the attention-control group, and this group difference was maintained for the whole study period. At the end of exercise program, women who had spent more time exercising before diagnosis had less fatigue than those who had exercised less often. In addition, patients' fatigue levels at various time points fluctuated along with their functional performance, sleep disturbance, and depression. ConclusionsOur tailored, home-based brisk walking program effectively reduced fatigue in breast cancer patients under chemotherapy, and this effect lasted after completing treatment.

Influence of a brisk walking program on postural responses in sedentary older women: a randomised trial.

This study analyzes the evolution in kinematic and non-linear stabilometric parameters in elderly sedentary women selected to participate in a brisk walking program. Ninety-four women were randomly selected for a program of 78 sessions over 6months, with three sessions of 60min per week. On the force platform, participants were assessed with both eyes opened as well as eyes closed during a period of 51.2s and the sampling frequency was 40Hz. The main dependent kinematic variables were the length, stabilogram surface, and the mean position in anteroposterior as well as medio-lateral directions. For the dynamic approach, we have selected the parameters of recurrence quantification analysis, sample entropy, and multiscale entropy. The kinematic and the time series analysis of group × time interactions demonstrated that 6months of walk-training lacked influence on kinematic postural responses and on dynamical measurements. The weekly brisk walking program was situated on flat ground and consisted of three 60-min weekly sessions lasting 6months, leading to no significant effect on postural responses. In regards to international recommendations brisk walking is a pertinent exercise. However, in older sedentary women, our study indicated a systemic lack of influence of 6months' walk-training on flat ground on kinematic postural responses and on dynamical measures obtained by time series analysis.

Effects of a peer-led Walking In ScHools intervention (the WISH study) on physical activity levels of adolescent girls: a cluster randomised pilot study

BackgroundSchool-based interventions may be effective at increasing levels of physical activity (PA) among adolescents; however, there is a paucity of evidence on whether walking can be successfully promoted to increase PA in this age group. This pilot study aimed to assess the effects of a 12-week school-based peer-led brisk walking programme on levels of school-time PA post intervention.MethodsFemale participants, aged 11–13 years, were recruited from six post-primary schools in Northern Ireland. Participants were randomized by school (cluster) to participate in regular 10–15-min peer-led brisk walks throughout the school week (the WISH study) (n = 101, two schools) or to continue with their usual PA (n = 98, four schools). The primary outcome measure was school-time PA post intervention (week 12), assessed objectively using an Actigraph accelerometer. Secondary outcome measures included anthropometry, cardiorespiratory fitness and psychosocial measures. Changes in PA data between baseline (T0) and end of intervention (week 12) (T1) were analysed using a mixed between-within subjects analysis of variance with one between (group) and one within (time) subjects factor, with two levels.ResultsOf 199 participants recruited (mean age = 12.4 ± 0.6 years, 27% overweight/obese), 187 had valid accelerometer data for inclusion in subsequent analysis. A significant interaction effect was observed for changes in light intensity PA across the school day (p = 0.003), with those in the intervention increasing their light intensity PA by 8.27 mins/day compared with a decrease of 2.14 mins/day in the control group. No significant interactions were observed for the other PA measures across the intervention. Intervention effects on school-time PA were not sustained four months post intervention.ConclusionsThe intervention increased daily light intensity PA behaviour in these adolescent girls but did not change moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). These findings suggest that a school-based brisk walking intervention may be feasible and can change PA behaviour in the short term, but it is possible that the self-selected walking speeds determined by a peer-leader may not be sufficient to reach MVPA in this age group. Further research is needed to evaluate the potential of school-based brisk walking to contribute to MVPA in adolescent girls.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02871830. Registered on 16 August 2016)

Influence of a brisk walking program on postural responses in sedentary older women: A randomized trial

Background Balance capability and postural control are an important aspect of physical functioning in older people. Objective To analyze the evolution in kinematic and non-linear stabilometric parameters in elderly sedentary women. Trial design Randomised control trial. Subjects and setting: 94 women were randomly selected to participate in a brisk walking program of a duration of six months, presenting a mean score of 5.3 (± 1.7) on the Physical Activity Questionnaire for the elderly and covered 86% of the theoretical distance during the six-minute walking test. Methods Women in the training group participated in a program of 78 sessions over 6 months, with three sessions of 60 minutes per week. On the force platform, participants were assessed with both eyes opened as well as eyes closed during a period of 51.2 seconds and the sampling frequency was 40 Hz. The main dependent kinematic variables were the length, stabilogram surface and the mean position in antero-posterior as well as medio-lateral directions. For the dynamic approach, we have selected the parameters of recurrence quantification analysis, sample entropy and multiscale entropy. Results The kinematic and the time series analysis of group × time interactions demonstrated that six months of walk training lacked influence on kinematic postural responses and on dynamical measurements. The weekly brisk walking program was situated on flat ground and consisted of three 60-minute weekly sessions lasting six months, leading to no significant effect on postural responses. Conclusion In regards to international recommendations, brisk walking is a pertinent exercise. However, in older sedentary women, our study indicated a systemic lack of influence of six months’ walk training on flat ground on kinematic postural responses and on dynamical measures obtained by time series analysis.

Effect of a 6-Month Brisk Walking Program on Walking Endurance in Sedentary and Physically Deconditioned Women Aged 60 or Older: A Randomized Trial.

Walking endurance is a predictor of healthy ageing. To examine if a 6-month brisk walking program can increase walking endurance in sedentary and physically deconditioned older women. Randomized controlled trial. Women recruited from public meetings aimed at promoting physical activity in women aged 60 or older. 121 women aged 65.7 ± 4.3 years, with sedentary lifestyle (Physical Activity Questionnaire for the Elderly score < 9.4), and a 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) below normal value based on their gender, age, and body weight, and weight. Women were randomly assigned to a 150 min/week brisk walking program (two supervised sessions and one session on their own per week) for six months (exercisers) (n=61) or a control group with physical activity allowed freely (n=60). The primary outcome was relative change in 6MWD. 54/61 exercisers and 55/60 control subjects completed the program and data analysis was possible for 51 exercisers and 47 controls. At baseline, 6MWD was on average 23.1% and 22.5% below age-matched norms in exercisers and controls, respectively. Attendance rate for supervised sessions was 92% in exercisers. The 6MWD increased more significantly in exercisers than in controls (mean increase of 41.5% vs 11.0 %; p<0.0001). Over the 6-month program, 38 exercisers (74.5%) vs 5 controls (10.6%) had a 6MWD over the age-matched norm (p<0.0001). Exercisers with the highest tertile of 6MWD improvement (>46%) were those with baseline lowest values of 6MWD (p=0.001) and highest values of body mass index (BMI) (p<0.01). Present results support recommendation that brisk walking programs should be encouraged to improve walking endurance in physically deconditioned women aged 60 or older, especially in those with high BMI.

Effects of Brisk Walking on Physical Performance and Muscle Function in Community Dwelling Elderly Women

Aim: To examine the impact of a 12-week brisk walking program on physical performance and muscle function in community-dwelling healthy elderly women. Methods: The study was conducted in a group of 27 women with mean age 68.6 ± 5.5 years and mean BMI 28.2 ± 4.37 Kg/m2. Anthropometric variables (BMI, weight, height, waist circumference), body composition measured by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA), the 400 meters walking test, the short physical performance battery, the physical activity level with the PASE questionnaire, handgrip, isometric strength and power of the lower limbs with dynamometer were evaluated at baseline and three months follow-up. All subjects were involved in brisk walking sessions, 1 and ½ h per day on 2 days each week under the supervision of a qualified physical education instructor for 12 weeks. The physical activity intensity has been calculated on the basis of the Borg Scale (RPE scale=13 “somewhat hard”). Results: At 3 months of follow-up, a reduction in waist circumference, total and percentage fat mass, an improvement of peak torque and power of lower limbs and in all the performance test administered was observed. In addition, dividing the population into two sub-groups based on the frequency to walking groups, it was observed that the group with higher attendance presented a significantly greater increase of muscle peak torque, power and specific power values. Moreover subjects with greater attendance showed significantly higher reduction of the time to perform the 400 meters test. Conclusions: Moderate aerobic exercise can improve muscle strength, physical performance and body composition. Dividing the study population into two groups on the basis of greater or lesser participation in the walk groups, the group with frequency percentage higher than 70% showed a significantly greater improvement in peak torque, power and the specific power, suggesting a dose-dependent effect.

Influence of a brisk walking program on isokinetic muscular capacities of knee in sedentary older women.

This study analyzed the evolution in peak torque (PT) and mean power (MP) isokinetic parameters in the quadriceps and hamstring muscles of elderly sedentary women who were randomly selected to participate in a brisk walking program for 6months. The 121 sedentary women of this study presented a mean score of 5.3 (±1.7) on the Physical Activity Questionnaire for the Elderly and covered 86% of the theoretical distance on the 6-min walk test. The isokinetic evaluation was performed on both sides at 60°/s and 180°/s. PT and MP were selected for analysis. Women in the trained group (n=61) participated in a program of 78 sessions over 6months with three sets of 60min of exercise per week. For this group, heart rate, time and distance were, respectively, 125.2bt/min (±10), 37.9min (±4.2) and 3756.3m (±445.4). The analysis of the group×time interaction demonstrated an increase in the PT of the dominant-side hamstrings (p<0.001). In the trained group, we observed a significant increase in PT at 60°/s for the hamstrings on both sides (0.01<p<0.02) and a significant increase in MP for the hamstrings at 60°/s on the nondominant side (p<0.05). The study indicates a minor, though significant, influence of a brisk walking program on the peak torque and mean power of the quadriceps and hamstring muscles in sedentary women over 60years.

Effects of an 8-Week Outdoor Brisk Walking Program on Fatigue in Hi-Tech Industry Employees: A Randomized Control Trial.

Over 73% of hi-tech industry employees in Taiwan lack regular exercise. They are exposed to a highly variable and stressful work environment for extended periods of time, and may subsequently experience depression, detrimental to workers' physiological and mental health. In this cross-sectional survey, the authors explored the effect of an 8-week brisk walking program on the fatigue of employees in the hi-tech industry. The participants, from a hi-tech company in northern Taiwan, were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG; 41 subjects, Mage = 33.34 ± 6.40) or control group (CG; 45 subjects, Mage = 29.40 ± 3.60). Following the 8-week brisk walking program, the EG showed significantly lower scores for subjective fatigue, working motivation, attention, and overall fatigue. The authors confirmed that the 8-week outdoor brisk walking program significantly improved the level of fatigue among employees of the hi-tech industry. The finding serves as an important reference for health authorities in Taiwan and provides awareness of workplace health promotion in the hi-tech industry.

Food group preferences and energy balance in moderately obese postmenopausal women subjected to brisk walking program.

The objective of the study was to examine the effects of a 16-week walking program on food group preferences and energy balance of sedentary, moderately obese (body mass index, 29-35 kg/m(2)), postmenopausal Caucasian women, aged 60 ± 5 years old. One hundred and fifty-six volunteers were subjected to 3 sessions/week of 45 min of walking at 60% of heart rate reserve. Total energy intake (TEI) and food group preferences (3-day dietary record), total energy expenditure (TEE, 3-day physical activity diary), cardiorespiratory fitness (2-km walking test), anthropometry, and body composition (bioelectrical impedance) were measured before and after walking. Data were statistically analyzed using an ANOVA with repeated measures on 1 factor (time). The modest increase in TEE of 151 ± 24 kcal/day (p < 0.0001) leads to body weight, fat mass losses, and waist girth reduction (p < 0.0001). TEI remained unchanged despite a slight decrease in carbohydrate intake and a minor increase in protein intake (p < 0.05). Analysis of food records revealed a decreased consumption of fruits (p < 0.05) and sweet and fatty foods (p < 0.01), but an increase in oil consumption (p < 0.0001) after walking. Women with the highest body weight loss showed the greatest reduction in the consumption of fruits, sugar, sweet foods, and fatty foods (p < 0.05). Women with the greatest fat mass loss showed the highest decrease in fatty food intake (p < 0.05). In conclusion, although our walking program changed some food group consumption patterns, body weight loss was primarily because of the increased TEE.

J08 The Efficacy Of A Brisk Walking Program On Motor Function And Functional Capacity In Patients With Huntington's Disease: A Retrospective Study

Introduction Progressive motor dysfunction is a major characteristic of Huntington’s disease (HD) causing considerable disability in many patients. In a recent study the reliability and minimal detectable change of instruments that measure motor functioning in HD patients were examined. Remarkably, late stage patients scored better on most outcome measures compared to earlier staged patients. A post-hoc analysis revealed that many late stage patients participated in a brisk walking program. Aims In a retrospective study we aimed to clarify the efficacy of a brisk walking program on motor function and functional capacity in patients with HD. Methods All patients participated in a weekly one-hour brisk walking program for at least 6 months. Patients were randomly tested by trained physical therapists in the course of one year before and two years after the program started using instruments that measure motor function and functional capacity. A linear mixed model analysis was used to compare the changes in outcome before and after the program was initiated. Results We found no difference in change for any of the outcome measures except for UHDRS total functional capacity (TFC). Before the start of the program mean (SE) TFC scores significantly decreased from 10.2 (0.8) one year before the start of the program to 7.1 (1.2) at baseline (p = 0.000). After the program was initiated the course of TFC scores leveled off with 5.0 (1.0) after 6 months and 4.2 (0.8) after 24 months (p = 0.221). Conclusion A weekly brisk walking program does not influence the course of motor functioning in HD patients, but may retard total functional deterioration.

Walk Your Life to Health—Motivating Young Adolescents to Engage in a Brisk Walking Program

Increasing numbers of overweight and obese children resulting from sedentary and abundant lifestyles are a health concern in Hong Kong and other affluent communities around the globe. The importance of physical activity is well documented for health and wellbeing, with sedentary behavior emerging as an independent risk factor for chronic diseases and mortality. In this study, Pender’s Health-Promotion Model informed the development of an intervention program aimed to engage junior high school students in increased physical activity, specifically brisk-walking. The model set out to motivate participants to engage in behaviors to enhance their health across the life span, including developing self-efficacy with regard to brisk walking. The intervention featured four stages. First, participants were provided with information about the benefits and in stage two were trained in the technique of brisk walking. Next they engaged in the brisk walking program and in stage four were encouraged to serve as health ambassadors by introducing brisk walking and its associated benefits to others, thereby exercising peer influence to diffuse the practice of brisk walking more widely among members of the community. Motivational strategies were used as incentives in the program, including the involvement of a popular singing band to award certificates at the completion of the program. This 7-week intervention program including a 4-week brisk walking component was conducted in a high school context with 71 participants. Data were collected to enable paired-sample t-tests to be conducted to statistically analyze the data at pre- and post-intervention. Findings indicate significant differences among the mean Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR), knowledge and attitudes of the participants at pre- and post-intervention. These findings suggest that the intervention was effective as a strategy to reduce sedentary behavior with the concomitant effect of positive shifts in measurable indicators and attitudes.