Effects of continuous and accumulated brisk walking on functional capacity and lipid profile in sedentary workers

Objective: To determine the effects of continuous and accumulated brisk walking with moderate intensity on functional capacity and lipid profile in sedentary workers Methods: Sedentary and healthy twenty seven subjects, aged 40-59 years from Pasang hospital, Amphur Pasang, Lumpoon province were recruited. They were assigned into 2 groups either a 30 minutes continuous exercise group (30 mins x 1) or a 30 minutes accumulated exercise group (15 mins x 2). They were directed to walk briskly with moderate intensity, 3 days a week for 8 weeks. The exercise intensity was monitored with the Polar wireless chest strap throughout the study. Measurements of functional capacity determining from 6-MWT, and lipid profiles including total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol were taken before and after the program. Results: At the end of study, the functional capacity for both brisk walking groups were significantly improved (p<0.05). However, both groups had significant lower HDL-cholesterol level ( P < 0.05). Total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol were not changed statistically for both groups. There were no differences in functional capacity and lipid profiles between groups for changes in functional capacity and lipid profiles from pre- to post-intervention. Conclusion: Both continuous and accumulated of 30-min brisk walking with moderate intensity, 3 days a week for 8 weeks had beneficial to improve functional capacity, but fails to alter cardiovascular disease risk factors in sedentary people aged 40-59 years.