ORIGINAL ARTICLES   

Gazzetta Medica Italiana Archivio per le Scienze Mediche 2013 April;172(4):275-82

Copyright © 2013 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

The effect of a 12-week home-based exercise intervention program on cardiometabolic disease risk factors

Breukelman G. J., Semple S. J., Grace J. M.

Department of Biokinetics and Sports Science, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa, South Africa

Aim: This feasibility study evaluated the use, safety, and short-term benefits of a home-based physical activity program, and to determine the effectiveness of a home–based physical activity program on cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk factors.
Methods: Sedentary individuals (n=46) obtained physical clearance to participate in the study. Participants received an individual log book to record their full day activities and meals, and instructed to complete the home–based program 3 days/week, for 12 weeks. The home-based program consisted of three exercise routines (aerobic, resistance and stretching). Outcomes included changes from baseline to 12 weeks in: weight, body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio, fat percentage, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, resting heart rate, fasting total cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose. Participant’s diets remained the same as prior to the intervention.
Results: Forty-six sedentary adults (43 ± 10) completed the study. A trend towards improvement between baseline and 12 weeks testing for diastolic blood pressure (77 mmHg-68 mmHg; ↓11.7%, p < 0.05) was identified. From baseline to 12 weeks, there was a decrease in the percentage participants that moved from moderate risk category (47.8% – 43.5%; ↓ 9%), into the low risk category (17.4-21.7%; ↑ 19.8%). No other statistically significant differences were detected between the baseline and 12 weeks.
Conclusion: Despite the observation that minimal statistically significant changes occurred as a result of the 12 week intervention, scores evidently show that the physical activity program is beneficial in reducing cardiovascular risk. More prominent effect would have been observed with the inclusion of a calorie restriction program.