THE EFFECT OF A 6 KG WEIGHT LOAD ON FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY, BODY COMPOSITION, AND THE LIPID PROFILE IN MIDDLE-AGED WOMEN.
Contributors: University of Michigan.
Published: 1994
Number of pages: 233
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Biology, Animal Physiology.
Description: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States today, with middle-aged and elderly women at greatest risk. Gender differences in the lipid profile (less low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and more high-density lipoprotein (HDL) appear to protect women from CHD until later in life. In general, exercise increases HDL but few studies have addressed exercise in middle-aged women. Walking is a safe aerobic activity for this group, but the amount of walking necessary to increase HDL is prohibitive for many. Other studies have shown increased functional capacity in young male subjects while walking carrying moderate weight loads.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a 6 kg (13.2#) weight load, worn in a vest, on the functional capacity of middle-aged women during a maximal graded exercise test (GXT) and the effect of the added weight during a 12 week walking program (240 minutes/week at 3.5-4.0 mph). Data on 22 premenopausal women, mean age 44.2 +/$-$ 3.7 years, indicated addition of the 6 kg weight significantly shortened (p $<$.04) the time necessary to reach maximal exertion during a GXT, implying a higher workload.

Data from 17 premenopausal and 1 postmenopausal women, mean age 45.7 +/$-$ 3.6 years, indicated the walking program significantly improved functional capacity in all subjects (oxygen consumption (L/min) p $<$.001; METS, p $<$.004). Greater improvements were noted in the experimental group compared to the control group, but the difference between the groups was not statistically significant. Improvements in the lipid profile were not significantly different between the weighted versus nonweighted groups, but women (N = 8) with low levels of HDL initially ($<$50 mg/dl) increased their HDL significantly (p $<$.05). No significant seasonal or menstrual cycle differences in any lipid data were identified. Diet histories collected at the beginning of walking and randomly repeated during walking showed no significant seasonal or group differences. No significant body composition changes were noted.

These data support the hypothesis that addition of a 6 kg weight load significantly increases the workload of walking and thus, the efficiency of walking as a safe, effective means of improving functional capacity in middle-aged women.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 55-04, Section: B, page: 1375.

Thesis (PH.D.)--THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, 1994.

School code: 0127.