Walking Exercise Program Research Articles

앞·뒤 걷기 운동이 초등학생의 거북목 증후군에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was implement a forward walking and a backward walking exercise program among elementary school students who manifest the turtle neck syndrome. In this study, students whose cervical gravity line on an X-ray imaging has a discrepancy over 10mm and whose angle of cervical curvature is below 35 degrees were diagnosed as the turtle neck syndrome. Among them, this study selected 17 students who expressed voluntary intention and agreed to participate in this study. After dividing the participants into a forward walking group(n=8) and a backward walking group(n=9), walking exercise was performed five times a week for eight weeks. For this study, cervical gravity line and cervical curvature were measured and analyzed based on the X-ray images before and after the exercise program. The results of the study are as follows. 1. With regards to the change in cervical gravity line, the forward walking group did not demonstrate any changes while the backward walking group demonstrated an effect on the turtle neck syndrome by reducing the distance. 2. With regards to the change in angle of cervical curvature, both the forward walking group and the backward walking group demonstrated an effect on the turtle neck syndrome by increasing the angle. 3. Between the forward walking group and the backward walking group, no changes were observed in cervical gravity line and angle of cervical curvature. These study findings appear to show a positive effect of walking exercise on the turtle neck syndrome; however, there was no difference between the forward walking group and the backward walking group. Nevertheless, it is premature to determine that there is no difference in effect between the forward walking and the backward walking group based on this study.

Improvement in insulin sensitivity, but without changes in liver enzymes in obese women after 12 weeks of a walking exercise program with self-selected intensity

Obesity is related to negative changes in insulin resistance and liver enzymes and is associated with the risk factor for the development of type II diabetes mellitus and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. A number of studies have demonstrated that aerobic exercise shows promise for disease prevention and treatment in this population. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a walking exercise program with self-selected intensity on insulin resistance and liver enzymes in obese women. Forty-eight obese women (47.8 ± 8.4 years; 88.1 ± 12.0 kg; 158.0 ± 0.1 cm) were divided into two groups: control group (CG; n = 23) and self-selected walking group (SSWG; n = 25). Before and after the exercise program, all subjects underwent anthropometric measurements and blood samples were collected. The intervention consisted of a walking exercise program with self-selected intensity for 12 weeks (3 times/week, totalizing 36 sessions). After the exercise program, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and HOMA improved only in the SSWG (p 0.05). In addition, there were no differences in liver enzymes after the intervention in both groups (p > 0.05). The results support that a walking exercise program with self-selected intensity improved insulin resistance in obese women. Thus, exercise programs with self-selected intensity seem to be an interesting alternative for improving health and preventing diseases.

Cardiopulmonary exercise test indices of respiratory buffering before and after aerobic exercise training in women with pulmonary hypertension: Differentiation by magnitudes of change in six-minute walk test performance.

To compare post-aerobic exercise training adaptations in cardiorespiratory functional capacity across three groups of patients with PH: those with high (HI), low (LI) and negative (NEG) post-training increases in 6MWD. Participants were 25 females (age 54±11 years; BMI 31±7kg/m2) who completed a vigorous, 10-week, thrice weekly, supervised treadmill walking exercise program. Cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET) and 6MWT were completed before and after training. Ten of the 25 participants were classified as HI (range=47-143m), 11 were classified as LI (range=4-37m) and 4 were classified as NEG (range=-17 to -53m). Peak CPET duration, WR and time to anaerobic threshold (AT) were significantly higher (p<0.05) after training in both the LI and HI groups but not in the NEG group. There was a significant improvement in VE/VCO2 (p=0.042), PETCO2 (p=0.011) and TV (p=0.050) in the HI group after training, but not in the NEG or LI group. These findings suggest that sustained ventilatory inefficiency and restricted respiratory buffering may mediate exercise intolerance and impede the ability to adapt to exercise training in some patients with PH.

Vitamin D and Indices of Bone and Carbohydrate Metabolism in Postmenopausal Women Subjected to a 12-Week Aerobic Training Program-The Pilot Study.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of Nordic walking training on the indices of bone and carbohydrate metabolism in relation to 25(OH)D levels in postmenopausal women that were subjected to the outdoor systematic physical activity. The study was performed in 10 postmenopausal women, who participated in a 12-week Nordic walking exercise program, taking place during spring months (March to June). Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were measured before and after the training program. Serum concentrations of 25-hydroksycholekalciferol (25(OH)D), parathyroid hormone (PTH), insulin, glucose, osteocalcin (OC), C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), and calcium were determined. After the Nordic walking exercise program, a significant increase in the serum levels of 25(OH)D and CTX and a decrease in body mass, body mass index (BMI), fat mass, and PTH concentrations were observed. The findings of the present study suggest that 25(OH)D, as important metabolic regulator, plays a role in the modification of bone markers’ responses after the outdoor training program, independent of the physical activity effects.

The Effectiveness of the DoD/VA Mobile Device Outcomes-Based Rehabilitation Program for High Functioning Service Members and Veterans with Lower Limb Amputation.

The objective was to determine if the Mobile Device Outcomes-based Rehabilitation Program (MDORP) improved strength, mobility, and gait quality in service members (SMs) and Veterans with lower limb amputation (LLA). Seven SMs and 10 Veterans with LLA enrolled and were trained to use a mobile sensor system, called Rehabilitative Lower Limb Orthopedic Analysis Device (ReLOAD). ReLOAD provided participants with real-time assessment of gait deviations, subsequent corrective audio feedback, and exercise prescription for normalizing gait at home and in the community. After baseline testing, prosthetic gait and exercise training, participants took ReLOAD home and completed an 8-week walking and home exercise program. Home visits were conducted every 2weeks to review gait training and home exercises. Significant improvements in hip extensor strength, basic and high-level mobility, musculoskeletal endurance, and gait quality (P<0.05) were found at the completion of the 8-week intervention. Preliminary MDORP results are promising in its ability to improve basic and high-level mobility, lower limb strength, and gait quality in a group of SMs and Veterans with LLA. In addition, "booster" prosthetic training may be justified in an effort helps maintain an active lifestyle, promotes prosthetic use, and mitigates secondary health effects.

The Effect of Nordic Walking Exercise on Physical Indicators and Subjective Happiness of the Middle-aged in Rural Area

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of regular Nordic walking exercise on the physical indicators and subjective happiness of middle-aged rural residents. Methods: A pretest and posttest design with a nonequivalent control group was conducted. The participants of experimental and control group were each 21 subjects from 40 to 64 years old. The Nordic walking exercise program consisted of 24 sessions which were focused on group exercise, and was conducted three times a week for eight weeks. Results: The experimental group showed significant decreases in body mass index (p=.042), body fat (p<.001), and abdominal fat (p=.026). The experimental group showed significant increases in muscle mass of right lower limb (p=.009) and left lower limb (p=.016) but was not statistically significant in right, left upper limbs and body. On the other hand, the control group showed significant decreases in muscle mass of right upper limb (p=.034), left upper limb (p=.038), and body (p=.034). There were no significant differences in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and subjective happiness between the experimental and the control group. Conclusion: The Nordic walking exercise should be actively encouraged to improve health of the middle-aged in rural area.

Low-Intensity Exercise Training Increases Heart Rate Variability in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease

Patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), consistent with others with atherosclerotic occlusive disorders, have autonomic dysfunction (as measured by low heart rate variability [HRV]) that predisposes them to sympathetically mediated cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death. Exercise therapy has been shown to increase HRV in patients with coronary artery disease by increasing parasympathetic modulation of heart rate. This study quantified the circulatory and autonomic effects of a progressive, 12-week home-based, low-intensity (pain-free walking) exercise program in PAD and intermittent claudication. Participants (N = 33, mean age 67.8 8.1 years) were randomly assigned to either a walking group (n = 18), whose members performed a structured, 12-week, progressive walking program 5 days/week for 12 weeks, or a comparison group (n = 15), whose members performed usual activities. Circulatory measures (heart rate, blood pressure, and rate pressure product) and autonomic measures (HRV) were obtained at the beginning (Week 1) and end (Week 12) of the study. Minimal change in circulatory measures occurred. However, spectral analysis of HRV revealed that autonomic function improved significantly in members of the walking group; specifically, there was an increase in parasympathetic and a decrease in sympathetic modulation. Members of the walking group also significantly increased maximal walking distance. These findings suggest that a structured, low-intensity, high-frequency walking program improves autonomic function by increasing HRV in patients with PAD.

Nordic Walking as an effective physical activity for weight loss among overweight young adults in high schools.

Overweight and obesity, low physical activity and lack of motivation to exercise are common among young adults. Thus, the objective of the study is to evaluate the efficiency of Nordic Walking for weight loss and improvement of functional and physiological state in young adults with overweight and obesity. The study enrolled 77 students from Sechenov University with overweight and obesity aged from 17 to 23 years. Forty students in the main group completed an individual 9-months Nordic Walking exercise program. Thirty-seven students in the control group were engaged in physical training within the curriculum of the university. The components of body composition, level of physical working capacity and psycho-emotional status were studied. The final tests showed significant excessive body weight loss in students in the main group due to fat mass reduction by 18%; increase of physical working capacity by 22.5%; improvement of emotional stability by 22% and self-confidence level growth by 24%. Nordic Walking is an effective type of physical training with high motivational component for excessive body weight loss in young adults. It is proved by significant improvement of the majority of morphofunctional and psychological parameters in students in the main group. Nordic Walking can be used in physical education program at high schools for pupils and students with overweight and obesity. The materials of the article are of practical value for PT tutors, advisors on healthy way of life and public health, specialists in physical rehabilitation, general practice doctors.

Feasibility and trend of pulmonary function in a pilot trial of aerobic walking exercise in non-ambulatory stroke survivors

ABSTRACTBackground: Lung function is compromised in stroke survivors, which may cause fatigue and exercise intolerance. Furthermore, past studies of aerobic exercise have involved only stroke survivors who could walk independently. Stroke survivors who were unable to walk were not included in the previous research-investigating changes in lung function from walking exercise interventions. In this pilot study, the feasibility and the effect of aerobic walking exercise on lung function was examined in non-ambulatory stroke survivors using a treadmill, bodyweight support system, and a gait training device.Methods: This study was a single group trial. Eight non-ambulatory stroke survivors (five males, mean age 63.3 ± 13.7 years, seven with ischemic stroke) completed a low intensity walking exercise program (30 min/session; three sessions/week for 8 weeks) and lung function test. Before and after the intervention, vital capacity (VC) and forced vital capacity (FVC) using a spirometer were measured according to the guideline from American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society.Results: The rates of compliance and attrition were 100% and 10%; respectively, and no adverse events were reported. There were significant differences between pre- and post-intervention assessments in FVC (p = .09), percentage of predicted VC (p = .08), and percentage of predicted FVC (p = .08).Conclusions: In non-ambulatory stroke survivors, aerobic walking exercise is feasible and safe. Also, the results are promising and suggest that aerobic walking exercise may improve lung function; more data are needed.

Is the goal of 12,000 steps per day sufficient for improving body composition and metabolic syndrome? The necessity of combining exercise intensity: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundTo investigate the differences in body composition and metabolic syndrome (MS) under a daily 12,000-step strategy with or without moderate-intensity walking exercise in college students with obesity.MethodsThirty-two adults with obesity (mean (s.d.) age: 19.72 (0.80) years; height: 165.38 (3.99) cm; wt: 83.31 (4.66) kg; body mass index: 30.38 (0.83) kg m− 2) were recruited and randomly assigned to the walking step goal group (WSG; achieving 12,000 steps per day), walking exercise group (WEG; achieving 12,000 steps per day, including 3 days per week on which walking at a step rate of over 103 steps min− 1 was required), or control group (CG; maintaining a free-living life style). Each participant’s accumulated daily steps from daily activities and walking exercises were monitored using a smartwatch for 8 weeks. The variables of body composition and MS were measured before and after intervention.ResultsAverage daily steps over 8 weeks did not significantly differ between the WSG and WEG (11,677.67 (480.24) vs. 12,131.90 (527.14) steps per day, respectively, P > .05). Although the CG and WSG showed no improvement in body composition, the WEG exhibited significant improvements in terms of hip circumference and visceral fat area (VFA) (∆ − 2.28 (3.27) cm and ∆ − 13.11 (9.83) cm2, respectively, P < .05); high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting glucose (FG), and triglycerides (TG) (∆ 16.36 (8.39), ∆ − 2.53 (3.73), and ∆ − 10.52 (36.26) mg dL− 1, respectively, P < .05). The WSG exhibited improvements only in HDL-C (∆ 14.24 (16.13) mg dL− 1, P < .05).ConclusionThe combination of walking exercise program and daily step goal is a more time efficient strategy in improving body composition and MS than simply establishing a daily step goal. Furthermore, this strategy may also include a potential reduction effect on the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, number ACTRN12618001237279 (Retrospectively registered).

A Music-Guided Home-Based Claudication Rehabilitation Program

ABSTRACT Background: We previously demonstrated that using rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) to accentuate the beat and increase the tempo of music immediately increased walking distance and distracted from pain in patients with claudication. We hypothesized that it would be feasible to tailor a home-based walking exercise program using rhythm-controlled RAS-enhanced music, and that this would improve total distance walked during a 6-minute walk test distance (6MWD). Methods: This study was designed as a feasibility study in patients with lifestyle limiting claudication. We enrolled 12 participants (8 men, 8 black, age = 65.4 ± 7.8 y, ankle brachial index = 0.59 ± 0.17) in an RAS-enhanced, music-guided, home-based walking program, 3 times per week for 60 min per session. Repeated-measures mixed modeling with unstructured covariance matrix and robust standard errors were used to assess within-group treatment differences over time. Results: At 6 weeks, 6MWD increased by 48 m (P ≤ 0.001). At 12 weeks, similar patterns were noted, with an increase of 41 m in total walking distance (P = 0.001). Subjective measures of physical function were significantly improved. Exercise adherence was 89%. Conclusion: It is feasible to design a home-based exercise program for claudication by using the rhythmic and distractive properties of music to guide, facilitate, and progress exercise while maintaining a high level of adherence.

과채즙의 섭취와 걷기 운동을 기반으로 한 천연치유 프로그램이 남·녀 만성질환자들의 건강증진에 미치는 효과

Although fruit and vegetable juice contains many bioactive substances including various vitamins, mineral, dietary fibers and polyphenol, the studies analyzing health improvement effect of vegetable juice consumption have yet been scanty. Thus, we tried to analyze the combining effect of walking exercise program with the consumption of green vegetable juice in chronic disease patients, and further compare the difference between both sex in these combined effects. A total of 24 Korean chronic disease patients(mean age: 60.9±13.7 years) were recruited in this study, and they divided into male(n=11; mean age: 59.5±15.3 years) and female groups(n=13; mean age: 62.2±12.7 years) by sex. They completed vegetable juice consumption and regular walking exercise program during a total of 3 weeks, and performed physiological and biochemical tests before and after this intervention. After this study program was completed, significant health improvement effects in body fat and blood lipid metabolism were detected, but blood total homocysteine(tHcy) level increased significantly(p.05). When male and female groups were analyzed separately, there were significant sex differences in body composition and anemia associated markers(p.05). Although this study program indicated overall health improvement effect on chronic disease patients, further studies will be required to decrease blood total tHcy level, and clarify the cause behind the sex difference in the effects of this study program.

Impacts of aquatic walking on arterial stiffness, exercise tolerance, and physical function in patients with peripheral artery disease: a randomized clinical trial.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is an atherosclerotic disease that is associated with attenuated vascular function, cardiorespiratory capacity, physical function, and muscular strength. It is essential to combat these negative effects on health by incorporating lifestyle interventions to slow disease progression, such as exercise. We sought to examine the effects of aquatic walking exercise on cardiovascular function, cardiorespiratory capacity [maximal volume of oxygen consumption (V̇o2max)], exercise tolerance [6-min walking distance (6MWD)], physical function, muscular strength, and body composition in patients with PAD. Patients with PAD (n = 72) were recruited and randomly assigned to a 12-wk aquatic walking training group (AQ, n = 35) or a control group (CON, n = 37). The AQ group performed walking and leg exercises in waist-to-chest-deep water. Leg arterial stiffness [femoral-to-ankle pulse wave velocity (legPWV)], heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), ankle-to-brachial index (ABI), V̇o2max, 6MWD, physical function, muscular strength, body composition, resting metabolic rate (RMR), and flexibility were measured before and after 12 wk. There were significant group × time interactions (P < 0.05) after 12 wk for legPWV and HR, which significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in AQ, and V̇o2max, 6MWD, physical function, and muscular strength, which significantly increased (P < 0.05) in AQ, compared with no changes in CON. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) for BP, ABI, RMR, or flexibility after 12 wk. Interestingly, there was relatively high adherence (84%) to the aquatic walking exercise program in this population. These results suggest that aquatic walking exercise is an effective therapy to reduce arterial stiffness and resting HR and improve cardiorespiratory capacity, exercise tolerance, physical function, and muscular strength in patients with PAD.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The results of this study reveal for the first time that aquatic walking exercise can decrease arterial stiffness and improve exercise tolerance, cardiorespiratory capacity, and muscular strength in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Aquatic walking exercise training demonstrates relatively high exercise adherence in this population. Aquatic walking exercise training may be a useful therapeutic intervention for improving physical function in patients with PAD.

12주간의 걷기운동이 비만대학생의 골근육량, 부종 및 혈압에 미치는 영향

This study before and after exercise in obese college students conducted a 12-week, five days a week walking exercise targets eight people, and compared the changes in Fat Free Mass, Edema change and Blood Presser and RHR were as follows.BR 1. The changes in weight (kg) and fat-free mass (kg) before and after exercise decreased by about 1.0% and 0.10%, respectively.BR 2. Body fat (%), Waist-Hip ratio, Edema showed a statistically significant difference by about 2.87% reduction, about 1.55% reduction and about 0.30% decrease before and after exercise (p.05).BR 3. Changes in RHR (bpm) and BMR (kcal) before and after exercise increased by about 4.43% and 0.24%, respectively, but there was no statistically significant difference.BR 4. Changes in SBP (mmHg) before and after exercise decreased by about 6.78%, but no statistically significant difference was observed.BR 5. DBP (mmHg) decreased about 9.05% before and after exercise, and statistically significant difference was found (p.05).BR In this study, 12-week walking exercise program was found to have a positive effect on weight (kg), body fat (%), waist-hip ratio, edema, BMR (kcal) and blood pressure in obese university students In particular, it is considered that various walking exercise programs that reduce Edema should be developed.

Effect of the Walking Exercise Program on Cancer-Related Fatigue in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia Undergoing Chemotherapy.

Background:Cancer-related Fatigue (CRF) is one of the most common complications of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and its related therapies. It can influence all physical and psychological aspects of the patient’s life. Also, it is believed that exercise can improve CRF in patients with cancer. Objective:This study aimed to investigate the effect of the walking exercise program on CRF in patients with AML undergoing chemotherapy. Methods:In this quasi-experimental study with a pre- and post-test design, 50 patients with AML undergoing chemotherapy were selected using a convenience sampling method at a teaching hospital in an urban area of Iran. The intervention included daily 30 minutes of planned walking for ten days. Data was collected using a demographic data form and the Brief Fatigue Inventory, which were filled out before the intervention, and on the fifth and tenth days of the intervention. Findings:Statistically significant differences were reported in the reduction of CRF on the fifth day and tenth day of the intervention (p <0.001). Conclusions:The planned walking intervention can be used as an easy and low-cost method for reducing CRF in patients with leukemia.

Walking Exercise Programme (WEP) Menurunkan Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF) Pada Pasien Kanker Payudara Di RSUD. Ibnu Sina Gresik

Introduction: Development of cancer and the side effect of chemotherapy could lead to Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF) in breast cancer patient that getting worse due to inactivation. Hence, exercise was needed. This aimed of this was to analyze the effect of Walking Exercise Program (WEP) to Cancer Related Fatigue.Methode: This study was used quasy experimental design and the population was breast cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy in RSUD Ibnu Sina Gresik in June 2012. The 10 respondents who met inclusion criteria were taken with matching allocation technique and divided into control and case group. CRF were collected by a subjective instrument called Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), then analyzed using Wilcoxon signed rank test and Mann Whitney test with signification value was α≤0,05.Result: Result of Wilcoxon signed rank test showed that CRF scale in pre-test was different compared to CRF in post-test of case group (p=0.043). Mann Whitney test showed the comparison of post-test scores in both of groups was different (p=0.009). It can be concluded that WEP has effect to CRF.Discussion: The result showed that WEP could decrease CRF in breast cancer patient undergoing chemotheraphy in RSUD. Ibnu Sina Gresik. It is recommended to apply WEP as one of fatigue management in breast cancer patient undergoing chemotherapy. Further study should use WEP and psychosocial therapy to manage CRF in each fatigue dimension to reduce more scale of fatigue in patient.

Effects of a Stim up Mat Walking Exercise Program on Balance, Gait Function and Joint Motion Range of the Frail Elderly

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate effects of a stim-up matt walking exercise program on balance and gait of the frail elderly. Methods: A total of 37 elderly people recruited from S city were randomly assigned to the experimental group (n=22) and control group (n=15). The stim-up matt walking exercise program was offered twice a week for 8 weeks. Data were analyzed by SPSS 21.0. Results: The dynamic balance ability Timed Up and Go test of the experimental group was significantly faster than that of the control group (t=21.72, p<.001). The static balance ability open-eye standing test (t=44.15, p<.001) and close-eye standing test (t=9.01, p=.005) also showed increase in effects of the experimental group. In the walking ability, gait cycle (t=2.48, p=.018), cadence (t=-2.21, p=.034) and gait speed (t=-2.78, p=.009), positive effects were on. However, no statistically significant differences were found in stride length and double support. At the ankle joint range left ankle plantar flexion (t=3.92, p<.001) and left ankle dorsal flexion (t=4.51, p<.001) were higher in the experimental group than in the control group, and also right ankle plantar flexion (t=2.79, p=.008) and right ankle dorsal flexion (t=2.92, p=.006) increased in the experimental group. Conclusion: The significance of this study is that the stim-up matt walking exercise program for the frail elderly proves to be useful for improving balance and walking.

Effect of walking on the blood pressure of elderly persons: An effective exercise to prevent cardiovascular diseases

The present investigation was undertaken to examine effect of walking on blood pressure of elderly people (fifty males above 60 years of age). Based on blood pressure during pre-test administration, general, normotensive, hypertensive and Hypotensive ranges were identified. Observations were recorded on all the above four groups after specific 6 weeks walking program. The study revealed that 68% of people who exercise daily had a normal blood pressure. The normotensives maintained their blood pressure, the hypertensives and hypotensive showed a tendency towards the normal pressure, after six weeks of specified walking exercise programme. The subjects who practiced meditation had a high percentage of normotensives as compared to those who did not practice meditation. A 60% of subjects who exercise daily had no disease and were healthy. The blood pressure of people above 60 years of age showed a tendency towards normalcy with increasing period of exercise. Hence, walking exercise can be effective in controlling the blood pressure of aged persons.

걷기운동프로그램이 비만 여성의 Retinol-binding prtein 4, 혈중지질 및 동맥경화지수에 미치는 영향

걷기운동프로그램이 비만 여성의 Retinol-binding prtein 4, 혈중지질 및 동맥경화지수에 미치는 영향

Abstract P335: Effect of Aerobic Walking Exercise on Cardiovascular Health in Non-Ambulatory Stroke Survivors, a Pilot Study

Background: Most of rehabilitation interventions in stroke rehabilitation are designed with a focus on improving the impaired sensorimotor function. However, around 75% of stroke survivors are prone to having cardiovascular diseases, the main cause of death in stroke survivors. Much less efforts have been made on how to control risks of cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, past studies of aerobic exercise have involved only stroke survivors who could walk independently. Stroke survivors who were unable to walk were greatly ignored in past studies that measured risk of cardiovascular diseases. In this project, we examined the effect of aerobic walking exercise on cardiovascular risk factors in non-ambulatory stroke survivors using a treadmill and body weight support system. Methods: So far, we have completed a low intensity walking exercise program with body weight support system (30 minutes/session; three sessions/week for eight weeks) in three ischemic stroke survivors (two males, mean age 60.3±17.6 years). Blood pressure (BP) and resting heart rate (RHR) were measured pre- and post-intervention. Results: Pre- and post-intervention systolic BP decreased from 151.3±17.2 mmHg to 137.3±27.6 mmHg; diastolic BP decreased from 95±14.4 mmHg to 86±8.6 mmHg; RHR decreased from 74±19.3 beats/minute to 68±20.2 beats/minute, respectively. Conclusion: This is an ongoing study, and we are still recruiting study participants. The current results are promising and suggest that the aerobic walking exercise may decrease BP and RHR in non-ambulatory stroke survivors.