title: Effects of a Walking Program on Self-management and Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome in Older Korean Adults.
abstract: [Purpose] The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a 12-week walking program on increasing an individual's self-management and decreasing the risk factors of metabolic syndrome in the older adult population. [Subjects] A total of 31 older adults participated in this study. Eighteen participants in the experimental group and 13 controls completed the pretest and posttest measures. A walking exercise and health education were provided for the experimental group. Data were analyzed by ANCOVAs to examine group differences. [Results] At the end of the 12-week study period, the experimental group showed a significant improvement in individuals' ability to self-manage their health compared to the control group. Also, there were significant differences between the two groups in the total numbers of risk factors of metabolic syndrome, systolic blood pressure and BMI. No significant difference in blood sugar levels, HDL-C, waist circumference, and triglyceride levels were found between the experimental and control group. [Conclusion] This study revealed that a combination of health education and for walking exercise can lead to improved lifestyle management and reduce risk factors of metabolic syndrome for the elderly population of Korea.
authors.affiliation: Sangpyung Public Health Center, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Eun-Gyoung
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Nursing, Namseoul University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jung-Hyun
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.affiliation: Department of Child Welfare, Namseoul University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Kyoung-Eun
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medical Technology, Kangwon National University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jee-Hee
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Kim
keywords: Metabolic syndrome; Older adults; Walking program