Effects of a physical activity program on middle-aged, sedentary corporation executives

This study determined the effects of controlled physical training program on resting heart rate, blood pressure, serum cholesterol and body weight in middle-aged, sedentary, corporation executives. Two groups were established: an active group consisting of invited subjects hat exercised on a regular basis, and a comparison group consisting of subjects that were invited to use the facility but did not. Both groups were classified by the Medical Deartment as being "clinically normal." The training intensity of the active group was at 65% to 85% of age predicted maximum heart rates as established by the Tennessee Heart Association. Each exercise session was closely monitored by the subjects and by the instructors. Training continued for 24 months. Statistical analysis indicated that resting heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and serum cholesterol were significantly reduced after the training as compared to the comparison group. However, there were no significant changes in diastolic blood pressure or body weight.