Endurance Training in Older Women

In brief Total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were measured in 31 older women to determine the effects of a vigorous walking program. An experimental group walked at 70% to 80% of their predicted maximum heart rate 3 days per week for 8 consecutive weeks; a control group did not engage in physical training. Postprogram differences noted between the groups suggest that an 8-week vigorous walking program can significantly improve selected lipid, lipoprotein, and physical measures in older women.