Do Walking Programs Affect C-Reactive Protein, Osteoprotegerin and Soluble Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-Kappaβ Ligand?
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Aim: To examine the effects of 10-week walking programs on maximal oxygen consumption, body composition, serum lipids, highly-sensitive C-reactive protein, osteoprotegerin and soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa beta ligand. Method: Twenty-seven middle-aged men (40-60years) walked for ten weeks, five days per week, 40-52min per day at either moderate or high intensity (similar to 5.95 +/- 0.26km/h and similar to 7.64 +/- 0.36km/h; 50-55% and 70-75% maximum heart rate reserve, respectively). Non-walking, sedentary men served as controls (n=13). Estimated maximal oxygen consumption, body composition, lipid profile, highly-sensitive C-reactive protein, osteoprotegerin and soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa beta ligand were determined before and after the study. Results: After 10 weeks, estimated maximal oxygen consumption improved in both exercise groups (p<.05), favoring high-intensity group (p<.05). Body weight, percent body fat, and body mass index reduced significantly in both exercise groups (p<.05). Walking programs did not cause any significant changes in blood lipids, highly-sensitive C-reactive protein, and osteoprotegerin levels; however, soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa beta ligand levels were found to decrease in high-intensity group (p<.05) and the change observed in both exercise groups was different from the change in control group (p<.05). Conclusion: For protective effects against cardiac risk factors and arterial calcification, high-intensity walking programs are advisable due to the greater improvements in soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa beta ligand and estimated maximal oxygen consumption.