COMPARISON OF TWO WALKING FREQUENCIES INAFRICAN AMERICAN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN Colleen Keller, PhD, RN; Beverly Robinson, PhD, RN, FAAN; Linda Pickens, BSN, RN University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Nursing7703 Floyd Curl Drive ( MC 7951) San Antonio, TX 78229 Objectives: Despite the known benefits of exercise, 60% of African American women are sedentary. Examinations of the dose-response effect of exercise have demonstrated that the most significant reductions in rates of CHD are found in individuals engaging in moderate exercise, with the greatest benefits occurring when sedentary individuals begin a program of regular exercise. The efficacy and dose-response effects of low intensity exercise performed in community settings by overweight sedentary women have not been established. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of two intensities of walking on level of exercise maintenance and on cardiovascular risk factors in sedentary, obese African American women.Design: Two group, randomized experimental approachSubjects/Sample: Forty-five to seventy year old postmenopausal obese African American were recruited from the San Antonio area as study participants. Methods: Following telephone screening of age, self reported ethnic affiliation, height, weight, socioeconomic status, diet history, menopausal status, exercise volume, dietary restrictions, medication use, and medical conditions precluding participation, the participants were stratified by use of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) to control for effects on blood lipids and regional fat. Participants were randomized to protocol frequency groups. Group one walked three days/week; group 2 walked 5 days/week; both groups walked at 65 % of their target heart rate reserve. Each volunteer participant received instruction in completing an exercise log, and recording weekly physical activity and exercise, and recording heart rate displayed on the Polar Target TM at the beginning of her walk, at 15 minutes, and at the end of her walk. Study Variables: Socioeconomic status was assessed by the Hollingshead four-factor inventory. Exercise was assessed using two instruments: an exercise log based on the 7 day Physical Activity Recall and the Baecke Questionnaire of Habitual Physical Activity. Body composition, including fat free mass, fat mass, was assessed by bioelectric impedance. The Sagittal Abdominal Diameter, thigh girth, waist-hip measurements measured regional Fat, and hip circumferences were obtained. Blood Lipids: Venous blood was analyzed for blood lipids (total cholesterol, HDL-C, VLDL LDL-C, TG). Dietary Intake: The dietary intake as obtained by a diet history. The food intake for 24 hours will be analyzed for nutrient content (The Food Processor IITM).Results: Twenty-three women are currently enrolled and walking at 65% of their target heart rate at either 3 days or 5 days/week. Preliminary analysis indicated that the mean age of the women is 54 years, with no differences in baseline characteristics of body composition, blood lipids, and fasting blood sugars at base line. Approximately 12 women have completed the 12-week measures.
Back to Posters
Back to The Advancing Nursing Practice Excellence: State of the Science