title: The impact of weight and fat mass loss and increased physical activity on physical function in overweight, postmenopausal women: results from the Women on the Move Through Activity and Nutrition study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to determine whether changes in leisure time physical activity (LTPA) and body composition reflect concomitant changes in 400-meter walk time.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected at the baseline and 48-month visits in the Women on the Move Through Activity and Nutrition study. At baseline, participants (n = 508) were randomized to the lifestyle intervention or health education group. The lifestyle intervention focused on weight (7%-10%) and waist circumference reduction through healthy lifestyle behavior change. Change in walk time over 48 months was the primary outcome. Secondary measures included change in LTPA and body composition measures including, body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry--derived fat and lean mass.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Increased LTPA and reductions in body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and fat mass were associated with decreased walk time from baseline to 48 months (P < 0.01). After stratification by group, LTPA was no longer significantly related to walk time in the health education group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Increased LTPA and weight loss resulted in improved physical function, as measured by the 400-meter walk, in a group of overweight, postmenopausal women. These findings support the use of the 400-meter walk to evaluate progress in physical activity or weight loss programs.
authors.affiliation: Division of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center, Austin, TX, USA. Kelley.P.Gabriel@uth.tmc.edu
authors.forename: Kelley K Pettee
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Gabriel
authors.forename: Molly B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Conroy
authors.forename: Kendra K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Schmid
authors.forename: Kristi L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Storti
authors.forename: Robin R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: High
authors.forename: Darcy A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Underwood
authors.forename: Andrea M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Kriska
authors.forename: Lewis H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Kuller
mesh_terms: D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D001823:Body Composition; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D010809:Physical Fitness; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000378:metabolism*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055105:Waist Circumference; D016138:Walking / Q000193:education*; D015431:Weight Loss