The effect of a home-based walking program on risk factors for coronary heart disease in hypercholeserolaemic men: a randomized controlled trial

Nikki Coghill, Ashley R Cooper

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

Background Hypercholesterolaemia and physical inactivity significantly contribute towards risk of coronary heart disease. Increased physical activity may be an effective way to improve lipid profiles in hypercholesterolaemic individuals. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a home-based physical activity program meeting current guidelines improved the lipid profile of hypercholesterolaemic men. Methods Sixty-seven hypercholesterolaemic men (55.1 (4.9) years), from Bristol England, recruited between 2002–2004, were randomized to either 12 weeks of brisk walking sufficient to expend at least 300 kcal each walk or control condition. Fasting lipids including total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), glucose, insulin, blood pressure and anthropometric characteristics were measured at baseline and follow-up. Compliance was monitored using accelerometers and activity logs. Results After controlling for baseline differences, TC/HDL-C was significantly lower in the intervention group at follow-up (− 0.28, 95% CI: − 0.52, − 0.03, p = 0.03). An increase in HDL-C (0.07 mmol/l: − 0.01, 0.12, p = 0.07) and reduction in TG (− 0.30 mmol/l: − 0.64, 0.03, p = 0.07) in intervention participants were of borderline statistical significance. Weight significantly decreased in intervention participants (− 1.40 kg: − 2.43, − 0.38, p < 0.01). No other significant between group effects were found. Compliance to the walking program was 97.6%. Conclusions Twelve weeks of moderate intensity walking was sufficient to improve TC/HDL-C in hypercholesterolaemic men, primarily through improvement in HDL-C.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)545 - 551
JournalPreventive Medicine
Volume46
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2008

Bibliographical note

Title of Publication Reviewed: The effect of a walking programme on risk factors for coronary heart disease: A randomised controlled study Author of Publication Reviewed: Coghill N, Cooper A

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The effect of a home-based walking program on risk factors for coronary heart disease in hypercholeserolaemic men: a randomized controlled trial'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this