Follow up of an active walking program on sedentary and moderately obese postmenopausal women
Résumé
Participation to an active walking program helps postmenopausal women to feel better (Lean and Lara, 2003) and improves their cardiometabolic risk profile (Roussel et al 2009). However, these beneficial effects at long term have not been fully investigated. Aims of the present study were to examine the impact of an active walking program on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), body composition, selected metabolic risk factors and perceived health two years after the intervention. Methods 248 initially sedentary and moderately obese (mean body mass index, BMI = 30 ± 4 kg/m2) postmenopausal women (60 ± 5 yrs-old) were recruited. 196 were subjected to walking (3 sessions/week at 60 % VO2max, 16 weeks) (exercise group) and 52 women remained inactive (control group). Following measurements were performed in both groups before and after the 16 week study-period as well as two years later: -height, body weight and waist circumference were measured, -fat mass and fat-free mass were determined by electrical bioimpedance -CRF was assessed by the 2-km walking test and estimated VO2max was calculated, -perceived health was assessed by six questions (visual analogue scales). The lipid-lipoprotein profile was determined in the exercise group. Results Two years later, the decrease in body weight, fat mass, resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures as well as the increase in CRF (p<.001) were maintained in the 91 women who completed the study. Changes in lipid-lipoprotein profile and in perceived health were maintained for five on six items (p <.05). Discussion The walking program reduced body fatness, improved the cardiometabolic risk profile, CRF and perceived health of postmenopausal women. These improvements were sustainable two years later.