Effect Of Walking Intervention Research Articles

S12-2 The effectiveness of a peer-led school-based walking intervention on adolescent girls’ physical activity: the Walking In ScHools (WISH) study

Abstract Purpose Adolescent girls are failing to meet current physical activity (PA) guidelines. PA behaviours track from childhood to adulthood so providing adolescent girls with opportunities to be physically active may have benefits well beyond childhood. The effects of walking interventions on adult health are known, however less is understood about the potential of walking to promote PA in adolescents. Following the WISH pilot feasibility study that reported an increase in light intensity PA, a full trial has been undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel school-based walking intervention at increasing PA levels of adolescent girls. Methods The WISH study is a clustered randomised controlled trial in which a peer-led, school-based, brisk walking intervention is compared to usual PA in adolescent girls (12-14years). Data was collected at four timepoints over a 13-month period. Following baseline data collection, schools were randomly allocated to intervention (n = 9) or control (n = 9). In intervention schools, older pupils (aged 15-18years) were trained as walk leaders and led younger girls in 10-15min walks before school and at break-times across the school year (20-22weeks). The primary outcome was accelerometer-measured total PA (post-intervention). Secondary outcomes included anthropometry, quality of life and sleep. Results In total, 590 participants (mean(SD) age 12.6(0.6)years) were recruited from 18 schools across Northern Ireland (n = 9) and the Republic of Ireland (n = 9). Within the intervention schools, 149 walk leaders were trained (mean(SD) age 17.1(0.8)years). At baseline (n = 535), mean(SD) time spent in moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) was 39.2(17.1)mins/day and only 66 (12%) girls achieved PA guidelines of 60minutes MVPA per day. Post-intervention interviews were conducted with n = 18 walk leaders and n = 9 teachers. Focus groups (n = 9) were conducted with a mix of high and low attenders. Data analysis is ongoing, and the process evaluation is underway (both will be complete by May 2023). Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first fully powered trial to investigate the effectiveness of a peer-led brisk walking intervention in adolescent girls. The current study builds on a promising pilot trial which confirmed the feasibility of the intervention. If the intervention increases PA, it has potential to be implemented widely.

The Impact of Walking Programs on Reduction of Menopausal Symptoms: A Scoping Review

Abstract Keywords: Menopause, Walking, Pedometer-based Walking Aim: To conduct a scoping review of the existing literature on walking programs for menopausal women and explore the impact of various walking interventions on the reduction of menopausal symptoms. Background: Menopause is natural occurring phenomenon for women and can present with several physical and mental symptoms that are more severely experienced by some individuals. These experiences can be very distressing for women to deal with, especially in light of their personal, social, and work lives. The substantial impact of menopausal symptoms direly calls for effective coping strategies and treatment methods. Specific to menopause, physical activity is a form of treatment that can decrease occurrences and severity of menopausal symptoms. Previous studies have reported the benefits of walking in reducing symptoms, yet it is unclear which specific programs are most effective in reducing menopausal symptoms, especially in light of the time and efficacy barriers reported by menopausal women. Methods: A scoping review was conducted in nine databases for articles published up to September 2011, to identify studies exploring the topic of interest. Two investigators independently screened articles and two investigators independently extracted data based on specific themes. Mean differences and effect sizes were calculated to determine the effectiveness of walking interventions. Risk of bias assessments were also conducted for all reviewed studies. Findings: Seven studies, including five RCTs, met all inclusion criteria. All studies presented improvements in post-intervention menopausal symptoms of depression, sleep quality and physiological markers. Amongst all interventions (Pedometer-based programs, Nordic walking, walking training and SaBang Dolgi), pedometer-based walking presented the greatest improvement from baseline frequencies. Amongst all symptoms, depression saw the greatest reduction post interventions. Conclusion: Pedometer-based walking programs seem to be the most effective intervention for reduction of menopausal symptoms. Findings are comparable to those of other studies.

The Effect of Walking Intervention on Cognitive Function Among Patients With Non-Central Nervous System Cancer: A Systematic Review.

Cognitive impairment is one of the most frequently reported symptoms in patients with non-central nervous system (non-CNS) cancer. Walking has positive effects on cognitive function. However, the effects of walking interventions on cognitive function outcomes in patients with non-CNS cancer are not well synthesized. The aim of this study was to explore the characteristics of walking intervention and its effects on cognitive function in patients with non-CNS cancer. Ten databases were searched to identify eligible randomized controlled trials from each database's inception to June 7, 2021. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Five randomized controlled trials involving 242 adults with non-CNS cancer were included. Two studies involving immediate treadmill walking interventions with moderate intensity at 40% to 60% maximal heart rate reported significantly improved objective cognitive domains of processing speed and spatial working memory with small to moderate effect sizes for cancer survivors. One study delivering home-based, moderate-intensity walking intervention had borderline significantly positive effects on perceived cognitive functioning for patients with non-CNS cancer during chemotherapy. Walking intervention with moderate intensity is a beneficial approach to improve objective cognitive domains of processing speed and spatial working memory and perceived cognitive function. Nurses may provide moderate-intensity walking with 40% to 60% maximal heart rate monitoring to alleviate cognitive problems during the continuous process of cancer care. The modality and dosage of intervention should be adjusted depending on this population's tolerance to better maintain training.

The Effect of a 12-week Walking Intervention on Cardiovascular Disease Risks Among Individuals with Dyslipidemia

This pilot study in a small group of individuals (n=21) examined the effect of walking intervention among inactive adults (age=40-64 years) with dyslipidemia. Participants were randomly assigned to a Walking-Plus (WP) or Walking-Only (WO) group. Groups engaged in walking (30 to 60 min/day; 50-60% of HRmax) and were encouraged to accumulate 10,000 steps/day. WP group interrupted sedentary time every 30 minutes for ≥2 minutes. HDL-C improved over time [F (2,26)=6.273, p=0.006] and a significant between group effect was observed [F (1, 13)=9.39, p=0.009]. LDL-C [F (2,24)=3.63,p=0.042] and total cholesterol [F (2,26)=3.636, p=0.041] levels increased over time. Future plans include adding dietary plans and having larger sample sizes.

Walk Well: a randomised controlled trial of a walking intervention for adults with intellectual disabilities: study protocol.

BackgroundWalking interventions have been shown to have a positive impact on physical activity (PA) levels, health and wellbeing for adult and older adult populations. There has been very little work carried out to explore the effectiveness of walking interventions for adults with intellectual disabilities. This paper will provide details of the Walk Well intervention, designed for adults with intellectual disabilities, and a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to test its effectiveness.Methods/designThis study will adopt a RCT design, with participants allocated to the walking intervention group or a waiting list control group. The intervention consists of three PA consultations (baseline, six weeks and 12 weeks) and an individualised 12 week walking programme.A range of measures will be completed by participants at baseline, post intervention (three months from baseline) and at follow up (three months post intervention and six months from baseline). All outcome measures will be collected by a researcher who will be blinded to the study groups. The primary outcome will be steps walked per day, measured using accelerometers. Secondary outcome measures will include time spent in PA per day (across various intensity levels), time spent in sedentary behaviour per day, quality of life, self-efficacy and anthropometric measures to monitor weight change.DiscussionSince there are currently no published RCTs of walking interventions for adults with intellectual disabilities, this RCT will examine if a walking intervention can successfully increase PA, health and wellbeing of adults with intellectual disabilities.Trial registrationISRCTN: ISRCTN50494254

Effects of Walking-only Interventions on Bone Mineral Density at Various Skeletal Sites

Osteoporosis, a common disease in postmenopausal women and the elderly, is associated with decreases in bone mineral density (BMD) and fractures. As weight-bearing activity such as walking has the potential to maintain or increase BMD, I sought in this meta-analysis to mathematically consolidate research on the effects of walking interventions on BMD. A literature search for studies examining the effect of walking on BMD in postmenopausal women and men and women aged 50 years and older was conducted. Search strategies included online literature searches, hand-searches of journals, and examination of the reference lists of articles selected for inclusion. Effect sizes were calculated for each article selected for inclusion and a meta-analysis was conducted for these articles. Ten articles met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis. Walking had a significant (P < or = .03) positive effect (.32) on lumbar BMD but not on the femur or the calcaneus. The results of this meta-analysis do not suggest that walking interventions alone will limit demineralization at all skeletal sites. Perhaps other forms of exercise in addition to walking should be incorporated into training regimens for patients at risk for osteoporosis.

Effect of Walking Intervention on Ten-Year Cumulative Incidence of Gallbladder Disease in Postmenopausal Women

Effect of Walking Intervention on Ten-Year Cumulative Incidence of Gallbladder Disease in Postmenopausal Women