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Int J Sports Med 2007; 28(12): 1040-1045
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-965073
Clinical Sciences

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Home-Based Walking Improves Cardiopulmonary Function and Health-Related QOL in Community-Dwelling Adults

N. Okamoto1 , T. Nakatani2 , N. Morita1 , K. Saeki1 , N. Kurumatani1
  • 1Community Health and Epidemiology, Nara Medical University School of Medicine, Kashihara, Japan
  • 2Health, Budo, and Sports Studies, Tenri University, Tainosho, Japan
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision November 29, 2006

Publication Date:
24 May 2007 (online)

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Abstract

The objective of our study was to investigate the effects of a home-based walking program on physical fitness and QOL among community residents. Subjects (n = 200, mean age: 64.2 years, range: 42 - 75 years) who participated in the 32-week trial were randomly allocated to one of two groups: an exercise (E) group and a control (C) group. The E group was instructed to increase the number of steps a day that they walked and to perform aerobic walking at a target heart rate for 20 minutes or more daily, 2 or more days a week. The C group was told to continue their normal level of activity. Outcome measures were the 3-minute shuttle stamina walk test (SSWT), 30-second chair-stand test (CS-30), and SF-36. Increases in SSWT values were significantly greater in the E group than in the C group (men 24.1 m vs. 6.3 m; women 8.8 m vs. 2.4 m), as were increases in CS-30 values (men 5.9 vs. 2.6; women 4.5 vs. - 0.1). On the SF-36, the scores in the E group for vitality and mental health increased significantly. Home-based walking is considered to be an effective and feasible method to improve physical fitness and QOL among community residents.

Key words

exercise - physical activity - step counter - SF‐36 - compliance

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Dr. Nozomi Okamoto

Community Health and Epidemiology
Nara Medical University School of Medicine

6348521 Kashihara

Japan

Fax: + 81 744 29 06 73

Email: onozomi@naramed-u.ac.jp

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