title: The effect of walking on risk factors for cardiovascular disease: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised control trials.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised control trials that examined the effect of walking on risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four electronic databases and reference lists were searched (Jan 1971-June 2012). Two authors identified randomised control trials of interventions ≥ 4 weeks in duration that included at least one group with walking as the only treatment and a no-exercise comparator group. Participants were inactive at baseline. Pooled results were reported as weighted mean treatment effects and 95% confidence intervals using a random effects model.
  
  
  RESULTS
  32 articles reported the effects of walking interventions on cardiovascular disease risk factors. Walking increased aerobic capacity (3.04 mL/kg/min, 95% CI 2.48 to 3.60) and reduced systolic (-3.58 mm Hg, 95% CI -5.19 to -1.97) and diastolic (-1.54 mm Hg, 95% CI -2.83 to -0.26) blood pressure, waist circumference (-1.51 cm, 95% CI -2.34 to -0.68), weight (-1.37 kg, 95% CI -1.75 to -1.00), percentage body fat (-1.22%, 95% CI -1.70 to -0.73) and body mass index (-0.53 kg/m(2), 95% CI -0.72 to -0.35) but failed to alter blood lipids.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Walking interventions improve many risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This underscores the central role of walking in physical activity for health promotion.
authors.affiliation: Department of Arts Education and Physical Education, Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland. Electronic address: elaine.murtagh@mic.ul.ie.
authors.forename: Elaine M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Murtagh
authors.affiliation: School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, England, UK.
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nichols
authors.affiliation: School of Health Studies, University of Bradford, Bradford, England, UK.
authors.forename: Mohammed A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Mohammed
authors.affiliation: School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, England, UK.
authors.forename: Roger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Holder
authors.affiliation: School of Sports, Performing Arts and Leisure, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, England, UK.
authors.forename: Alan M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Nevill
authors.affiliation: Sport and Exercise Science Research Institute, University of Ulster, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK.
authors.forename: Marie H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Murphy
mesh_terms: D050154:Adiposity / Q000502:physiology; D001794:Blood Pressure; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D055105:Waist Circumference; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D008055:Lipids
keywords: Cardiovascular risk; Exercise; Health; Walking