| Learning Objective #1: The learner will be able to understand the effect of walking exercise on physiologic variables (body composition and blood lipids) on postmenopausal obese women. | |||
| Learning Objective #2: The learner will be able to understand the effect of walking exercise on psychological variables (self-esteem and depression) on postmenopausal obese women. |
METHODS: With quasi-experimental pre- and post-test design, a total of 36 postmenopausal obese women were recruited in the 2 metropolitan areas by convenience sampling. Sixteen women participated in 1 hour of moderate-intensity walking exercise 5 days per week for 3 months and 20 women did not. Body composition was measured as body mass index, body fat %, and waist/hip ratio; Blood lipids were measured with total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL and LDL; psychosocial outcomes were evaluated by self-esteem and depression.
RESULTS: Over 3 months, the score of self-esteem was increased and depression was decreased in exercise group relative to control group. However, there were no significant differences in body composition and blood lipids.
CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that 3 months of moderate-intensity exercise training can improve psychosocial outcomes but further study is needed to replicate walking exercise on physiologic variables among postmenopausal obese women. These findings are of public health relevance and add a new facet to the growing literature on the health benefits of moderate exercise.