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Abstract

Objective. The purpose of this review was to perform a meta-analysis on walking intervention studies in order to quantify the magnitude anddirection of walking-induced changes that may alter selected cardiovascular risk factors.Method. Twenty-four randomised controlled trials of walking were assessed for quality on a three-point scale. Data from these studies werepooled and treatment effects (TEs) were calculated for six traditional cardiovascular risk variables: body weight, body mass index (BMI),percentage body fat, aerobic fitness (VO2 max in ml kg−1 min−1) and resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Weighted TEs were analysedusing a random effects model with weights obtained using the inverse of the individual TE variances. Random effects models were used toinvestigate the influence of both study quality and exercise volume (<150 vs. ≥150 min week−1).Results. Random effects modelling showed that walking interventions increased VO2 max and decreased body weight, BMI, percent body fatand resting diastolic blood pressure in previously sedentary adults (p<0.05 for all).Conclusion. The results of this study provide evidence that healthy but sedentary individuals who take up a programme of regular briskwalking improves several known risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

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• The effect of walking on fitness, fatness and resting blood pressure: A meta-analysis of randomised, controlled trials. (deposited 04 Feb 2010 16:09) [Currently Displayed]