The physiological effects of a walking exercise program on sedentary individuals

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine if walking as a regular form of low level exercise promotes and maintains physiological training effects. Eleven Ss between 26 and 63 years of age participated in the study. All subjects walked for 10 consecutive weeks at a mean heart rate of 116 beats/min. or 66% of maximal heart rate. Mean attendance was 31.4 min. of walking 3.4 times/week. Warm-up and cool down periods of 3-5 min. preceded and followed each session respectively. Pre-test, 2 re-test (at weeks 4 and 8) and post-test measurements were made on all Ss. Data analysis incorporated use of a t test and one group ANOVA with repeated measures.