Abstract

Physical activity (PA) volume is an important element in maintaining health and functional ability in the population and has a useful effect on lipid profile. Walking is a preferred choice and as a current movement pattern in PA and several social jobs. The aim of this present study was to evaluate the effects of daily number of steps on the blood lipid profile in middle age men. Daily steps volumes were measured in the healthy men (n = 108) by the pedometer. Subjects voluntarily selected as an active group (AG) and sedentary group (SG). In addition, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured. The averages of daily steps in the AG (12632±3957 steps/day) were significantly higher than SG (5347±1631step/day) (P<0.001). TG and TC concentrations in the AG group were significantly lower than SG group (P<0.05). TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratios in AG group were significantly lower than SG group (P<0.05), whereas, HDL-C and LDL-C concentrations were not significantly different in the two groups (P>0.05). It seems that the middle aged sedentary populations were at least 12,500 steps/day accordant with PA, and morning exercise programs as a threshold of anti–risk factor can improve the cardiovascular system efficiency.

Key words: physical activity, biochemical risk factor, steps per day, pedometer.

Abbreviation

PA, Physical activity; AG, active group; SG, sedentary group; TC, total cholesterol; TG, triglyceride; LDL-C, low density lipoprotein cholesterol; HDL-C, high density lipoprotein cholesterol.