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Published on: March 7, 2019
Pedometer indices for weekly physical activity recommendations in postmenopausal women
Alexander N Jordan1, Gina M Jurca, Catrine Tudor Locke
1The Cooper Institute Centers for Integrated Health Research, Center for Laboratory and Medical Research, Dallas, TX 75230, USA. ajordan@cooperinst.org
Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
|September 24, 2005
Summary
Sedentary postmenopausal women can achieve 50-150% of weekly physical activity recommendations through moderate-intensity walking. Planned walking sessions yielded an average of 2800-6500 steps per day, 3-4 times weekly.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Science
- Gerontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Sedentary lifestyles are prevalent among postmenopausal women.
- Meeting physical activity recommendations is crucial for health in this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify pedometer-determined steps per day for 50%, 100%, and 150% of current public health recommendations.
- To assess physical activity levels in sedentary postmenopausal women undertaking a structured exercise program.
Main Methods:
- 111 sedentary postmenopausal women from the Dose Response to Exercise in Women (DREW) study participated.
- Women were randomized into three groups expending 4, 8, or 12 kcal/kg/week (KKW) through treadmill and cycle ergometer exercise.
- Pedometer data assessed free-living physical activity (steps/day) throughout the 6-month training period.
Main Results:
- Baseline daily step counts were below 5400 steps/day for all groups.
- During 6 months of exercise, free-living step counts remained below 5400 steps/day and did not significantly differ from baseline.
- Exercise sessions yielded an average of 2771 (4 KKW), 5457 (8 KKW), and 6534 (12 KKW) steps, 3-4 times per week.
Conclusions:
- Sedentary postmenopausal women can meet 50%, 100%, and 150% of weekly physical activity recommendations through planned moderate-intensity walking.
- Achieving these targets involved accumulating approximately 2800, 5500, and 6500 steps/day, respectively, 3-4 times per week.
- Structured walking programs are effective for increasing physical activity in this population.
