Abstract
The aim of this study was to verify if a moving programme based on walking may influence aerobic fitness and body composition in female seniors. The exercise intensity (min 90% of walking) at a level of 50 to 70% VO2peak (HR ranged from 65 to 85 % of HRpeak) was used in a group of healthy senior women (n=53, age=68.7+-5.0years, BM=69.9+-7.9kg, height=161.0+-2.8cm, %BF=37.5+-5.1%, VO2peak.kg-1=25.9+-4.3ml.kg-1.min-1).
Control group were senior women without any regular physical activity (26, 68.9+-4.8years, 70.3+-8.1kg, 160.3+-2.0cm, 38.4+-5.7%, 24.2+-3.4ml.kg-1.min-1). Exercise time ranged between 90-250min per week (156.8+-48.9min).
Walking time ranged between 82-233 min (142.8+-45.7min). The energy output was in range from 2675kJ to 7740kJ (3970+-960kJ) per week.
After 6 months of training BM increased (0.8+-1.7kg; NS), %BF decreased (0.6+-1.5%; NS), and BCM increased (10.0+-2.3%; p<0.01). VO2peak increased by 8.0+-3.3%; (p<0.01).
Similarly, the maximum speed of running increased by 7.8+-1.5%; (p<0.01) compared to the baseline measurements. In non-active group we did not found any significant changes in all followed variables in the same time period.
We may conclude that a 6-month exercise program based on continuous walking that produced an energy expenditure of 3970kJ during a week, is useful for the improvement of AF and BC in senior women.