Evidence for anxiety , psychological stress , psychological well-being , subjective well-being and social isolation and loneliness varied in volume and effectiveness , but no harmful effects were identified .
The setting and context of walking seems to be important variables .
Background / objectives Walking has well-established positive relationships with , and effects on , physical health .
In contrast , while poor mental health contributes substantially to global health burden , an overview of the benefits from walking has not previously been published .
We aim ed to scope the literature and present what is known , and highlight what is not known , about walking and mental health .
Walking toward a new me: the impact of prescribed walking 10,000 steps/day on physical and psychological well-being.
PURPOSE To determine whether individuals participating in a program design ed to accumulate 10,000 steps/ day demonstrate health , fitness and psychological benefits . METHODS Sedentary individuals ( 22 F , 7 M ; age 59.8 + /- 5.78 yr ) were r and omly assigned into a walking ( W , n = 14 ) or control ( C , n = 15 ) group . Following baseline assessment , the W group was given a daily plan to reach 10,000 steps/day within 3 weeks and asked to maintain this level for 12 weeks ; the C group was asked to maintain their current activity . Participants were evaluated for cardiovascular endurance , resting and postexercise HR , functional ability , cholesterol , psychological well-being , and exercise self-efficacy before and following the 15-week program . RESULTS Significant changes over time were noted between groups ( G x T ; P < .05 ) with the W group demonstrating improvements in postexercise HR ( -6.51 % ) , total cholesterol ( TC : -7.74 % ) , and personal growth ( 2.53 % ) . While not statistically significant , the W group also demonstrated improvements in 6 min walk distance ( 2.32 % ) , total/HDL ratio ( -10.09 % ) , 8 foot up- and -go time ( -3.35 % ) , chair st and s ( 6.17 % ) , flexibility ( 128 % ) , and environmental mastery ( 4.54 % ) . CONCLUSION A 15-week program aim ed at accumulating 10,000 steps/day improves cardiovascular performance and personal growth and also positively influences many variables that are indicators of health , fitness and psychological well-being
Evidence for anxiety , psychological stress , psychological well-being , subjective well-being and social isolation and loneliness varied in volume and effectiveness , but no harmful effects were identified .
The setting and context of walking seems to be important variables .
Background / objectives Walking has well-established positive relationships with , and effects on , physical health .
In contrast , while poor mental health contributes substantially to global health burden , an overview of the benefits from walking has not previously been published .
We aim ed to scope the literature and present what is known , and highlight what is not known , about walking and mental health .