FitBits
September 30, 2004

Exercise ETC's Review of Exercise Related Research.

Compiled by
Jeannie Patton, MS, CSCS

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This program is only available on our secure web site at: www.exerciseetc.com/specials.html

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Walking Reduces Risk of
Dementia in Older Adults

The aging of America has prompted a renewed interest in the correlation of physical activity and dementia. Some evidence already exists that shows that higher levels of physical activity reduce the incidence of dementia. The purpose of this study was to determine if low-intensity exercise such as walking is associated with a future risk of dementia.

The researchers evaluated the walking habits of 2000 older men for a period of 2 years. Over the next 6 years the men were given neurological assessments for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The study established an association between walking and a reduced risk of dementia in older men. The results of this study concur with a similar study done in older women as part of the Nurses’ Health Study: Long-term, regular, physical activity, including walking, was associated with significantly better cognitive function and less cognitive decline in older women.

Fitness Professionals must continue with their efforts to educate the public on the benefits of an active lifestyle. Walking just 2 miles per day for men and 1.5 hours per week for women was shown to improve cognitive functioning. Fitness Professionals must teach their clients how they can easily fit this level of activity into their daily lives.

Abbott, Robert D. et al. Walking and Dementia in Physically Capable Elderly Men. JAMA. 2004: 292 (12), 1447-1453.

All Fat Is Not
Created Equal

The metabolic syndrome has been defined as a cluster of risk factors which includes obesity, glucose intolerance and high blood lipids. Research has shown that individuals with the metabolic syndrome are at increased risk for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and Type 2 Diabetes. The purpose of this study was to determine the independent relationship of upper body trunk fat and lower body peripheral fat to the metabolic syndrome. The study involved more than 300 post-menopausal women. Intra-abdominal fat, subcutaneous abdominal fat and fat from the thigh were measured, as were glucose tolerance and lipids.

The researchers found that intra-abdominal fat was the only type of fat shown to have an independent unfavorable relationship with the metabolic syndrome. Surprisingly, but consist with other research, thigh fat had a favorable independent association with the metabolic syndrome.

While lower body fat and subcutaneous abdominal fat may be undesirable for cosmetic or orthopedic concerns, it does not carry the same disease risk as intra-abdominal fat. Intra-abdominal fat has been consistently shown to be more predictive of the metabolic syndrome and the risk for CAD and Type 2 Diabetes. It is important for Fitness Professionals to understand that all body fat is not created equal in terms of disease risks. On the bright side however, intra-abdominal fat is very receptive to dietary changes and increases in physical activity, which may reduce the risk for disease.

Van Pelt, R. E. The Risk of Central vs. Peripheral Fat. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2004. 36 (5 supplement), p. S1.

For more information on Exercise ETC, our programs and materials, visit our web site at
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