Effect of a Physical Activity Program on Serum Biochemical Parameters among Elderly Women.

BACKGROUND: The present study examined the efficacy of walking program on biochemical parameters among elderly women.

METHODS: A total of one hundred elderly women participated in this randomized clinical trial study. The intervention group attended a 24-week walking exercise meeting five times per week. The control group continued with their routine activities. The subjects were assessed in Fasting blood glucose (FBS) and lipid profile before and after 12th and 24th weeks of the program.

RESULTS: The mean age of the elderly participants in the study was 68.33 ± 4.55 years. The results of repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant difference between the intervention and the control group in FBS, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol after completing the program (for all p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: The low cost physical activity intervention could be effective for reducing chronic vascular disease risk factors among community dwelling elderly women.