Effects of Walking on Accelerated Plethysmogram in Middle-aged and Elderly Women

The effects of walking on an accelerated plethysmogram (APG) were assessed for 58 middle-aged and elderly women (mean±SD; 62.1±5.7years) . Measurements of height, weight, APG, blood pressure, blood properties, and maximal oxygen uptake per weight (Vo2 max/wt) were performed at the beginning and the end of walking. Subjects were divided into three groups ; group A who walked 8, 000 steps or more per day, group B who walked between 7, 000 and 7, 999 steps per day, and group C who walked less than 7, 000 steps per day. In all groups, weight and body mass index (BMI) decreased significantly after walking. HDL-C increaesed and FBS decreased significantly in group A. In group B, Vo2 max/wt increased and SBP, TC, LDL-C decreased siginificantly. The APG-index increased and APG wave patterns improved in group A and B. These data suggest that 7, 000 steps or more per day may improve the function of peripheral circulation evaluated by APG.