Comparison of two walking frequencies in African American postmenopausal women.

Despite the known benefits of exercise, 60% of African American women are sedentary. The efficacy and dose-response effects of low intensity exercise performed in community settings by overweight sedentary women have not been established. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of two intensities of walking on level of exercise maintenance and on cardiovascular risk factors in sedentary, obese African American women. A two group, randomized experimental approach was used to test 45-70 year old postmenopausal obese African American women, measuring age, self reported ethnic affiliation, height, weight, socioeconomic status, diet history, menopausal status, exercise volume, dietary restrictions, medication use, and medical conditions precluding participation. Group one walked three days/week; group 2 walked 5 days/week; both groups walked at 65% of their target heart rate reserve.