The effects of stair and normal walking exercise in lower extremity functional ability and cardiovascular health risk factors in older women

The purpose of this study was to exam 12 weeks of stair and normal walking effects on lower extremity functional ability and cardiovascular health risk factors in older women. Twenty four subjects were assigned to either stair walking group (SWG, 57.40±6.11yrs, n=10) or normal walking group (NWG, 57.28±16.83 yrs, n=14). They performed 3 times per week, 60 minutes per day for 12 weeks. Lower extremity functional ability (lower leg strength, walking speed, balance ability, agility) and cardiovascular health risk factors (body composition, waist circumference, blood lipids) were compared by time and groups by two-way repeated ANOVA. As results, Significant time differences were found in lower muscular strength (sit & stand, wall squat), active balance and no time & group interaction were found. Also, significant time differences were found in SBP, T-C, TG, fasting glucose and no time & group interaction were found. These results indicated that home-based stair and normal walking exercise can be utilized to improve lower extremity function ability and cardiovascular health risk factors in older women. These findings implies that performing stair walking exercise provide similar positive health benefits with normal walking. Also, even when walking exercise perform independently as home-based program without instructor, health benefit can still be expected.