Effects of a Walking Program on Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors in Older People in Rural Areas

걷기운동 프로그램이 농촌노인의 대사증후군 관련인자에 미치는 효과

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 12 week walking program on the risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome in older people in rural areas. Method: A total of 31 people among the people who live within the area served by E County Community Health Practice were observed from December 5, 2006 to February 23, 2007. This group included 18 people who were identified as having metabolic syndrome on the basis of the Asia-Pacific fatness basic standard (the experimental group) and a control group of 13 people who did not have metabolic syndrome. Results: The results of the study are as follows: In the experimental group, there was no significant difference in body composition between pre and post measurement. The small change in values that were observed in the experimental group did not reach statistical significance. However, body composition values in the control group increased. In the experimental group, there were significant differences in waist circumference, blood pressure, HDL-C, and fasting blood sugar between pre and post measurement. But there were no changes in the control group. There was no difference in TG in either group. As to changes in risk-factors related metabolic syndrome after the 12 week walking program, the number of risk-factors were effectively reduced in the experimental group, but not in the control group. Conclusion: According to the present study, a 12 week walking program led to significant improvement in body weight, BMI as the factors composing the body and in waist circumference, HDL-C, blood pressure, and fasting blood sugar as risk-factors related to metabolic syndrome in older people in rural areas.