Abstract
Regular walking is one of the most recommended and popular physical activity worldwide. This study (1) detected the effects
of unsupervised regular walking on physical and cognitive functioning, emotional status, and quality of life in middle-aged
and older adults and (2) compared the results with inactive controls. Forty middle-aged and older adults with a mean age of
56.30 ± 4.85 years (range 40–70) walking for at least 1 year, at least three times a week, and at least 45 min a day and 40
inactive participants with a mean age of 55.15 ± 5.64 years (range 40–70) participated. Before testing, sociodemographics
of the participants were recorded. Body mass index and waist–hip ratio were calculated. The two groups were evaluated and
compared in terms of physical functioning (handgrip strength, balance performance, cardio-vascular endurance, flexibility,
muscular endurance and coordination), cognitive functioning (Mini Mental Test), emotional status (Beck Depression Inventory),
and health related quality of life (CDC HRQOL- 4). The results obtained from this study showed that there were significant
differences in terms of all outcome measurements between the groups (p < 0.05). The regular walking group had better scores in most parameters than the inactive controls. The results indicate
that unsupervised regular walking improves health and is also a safe, cheap, and can easily be adapted into daily life. Therefore,
it can be recommended to improve physical and cognitive functioning, emotional status, and quality of life of middle-aged
and older adults.
of unsupervised regular walking on physical and cognitive functioning, emotional status, and quality of life in middle-aged
and older adults and (2) compared the results with inactive controls. Forty middle-aged and older adults with a mean age of
56.30 ± 4.85 years (range 40–70) walking for at least 1 year, at least three times a week, and at least 45 min a day and 40
inactive participants with a mean age of 55.15 ± 5.64 years (range 40–70) participated. Before testing, sociodemographics
of the participants were recorded. Body mass index and waist–hip ratio were calculated. The two groups were evaluated and
compared in terms of physical functioning (handgrip strength, balance performance, cardio-vascular endurance, flexibility,
muscular endurance and coordination), cognitive functioning (Mini Mental Test), emotional status (Beck Depression Inventory),
and health related quality of life (CDC HRQOL- 4). The results obtained from this study showed that there were significant
differences in terms of all outcome measurements between the groups (p < 0.05). The regular walking group had better scores in most parameters than the inactive controls. The results indicate
that unsupervised regular walking improves health and is also a safe, cheap, and can easily be adapted into daily life. Therefore,
it can be recommended to improve physical and cognitive functioning, emotional status, and quality of life of middle-aged
and older adults.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s11556-011-0083-z
- Authors
- Orcin Telli Atalay, Pamukkale University, School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation, Rektörlük Binasi, B Kati, Kinikli Kampüsü, Kinikli, 20070 Denizli, Turkey
- Uğur Cavlak, Pamukkale University, School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation, Rektörlük Binasi, B Kati, Kinikli Kampüsü, Kinikli, 20070 Denizli, Turkey
- Journal European Review of Aging and Physical Activity
- Online ISSN 1861-6909
- Print ISSN 1813-7253