Moroyama Town in Japan is working on a health promotion project aimed at preventing lifestyle-related diseases and extending the healthy life expectancy of its residents through daily walking. We examined the effects of walking on blood test items in participants of the project. Sixty residents aged 18 years or older with no exercise restrictions were recruited. Participants were first measured for physical fitness and blood tests, and they were instructed to walk as a target of 8,000 steps daily. In addition to items related to lifestyle-related diseases, soluble lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (sLOX-1), LOX-1 ligand containing apolipoprotein B (LAB), and LOX-index, which have recently been reported to be useful in assessing the risk of cerebral infarction and ischemic heart disease, were measured in the blood tests. After 6 months of walking, physical fitness and blood tests were conducted again and the results were compared with those of first measurements. Fifty-four participants were able to complete the project. The age groups of them were as follows: 13 were under 65 years old (young group), 18 were between 65 and 74 years old (early elderly group), and 23 were 75 years or older (late elderly group). In the young group, there were no significant differences in sLOX-1, LAB, and LOX-index. In the early elderly group, LAB decreased significantly. In the late elderly group, sLOX-1, LAB, and LOX-index all significantly decreased. Walking in elderly individuals may reduce the risk of cerebral infarction and ischemic heart disease.

Authors:
Hajime Maruyama, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Japan
Natsumi Matsuo, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Japan
Rei Kaizu, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Japan
Naofumi Tanaka, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Japan
Hidetoshi Takahashi, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Japan

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Hajime Maruyama is currently an Associate Professor at Saitama Medical University International Medical Center in Japan. Dr. Maruyama's main work is rehabilitation for stroke patients.

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