The effect of a 12 week walking intervention on markers of insulin resistance and systemic inflammation.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether a community-based walking intervention, using pedometers, is effective in reducing systemic inflammatory markers.

METHODS

Participants (age=49(8.9)) were recruited in Glasgow, United Kingdom, from August to December 2006 and were randomly assigned to a control (n=24; 6 males, no change in walking) and intervention group (n=24; 5 males gradually increasing walking by 3000 steps/day on 5 days of the week). Blood samples were collected at baseline, and after 12 weeks, and analysed for glucose, insulin, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and soluble TNF receptors I and II (sTNFR1 and sTNFRII).

RESULTS

In the control group baseline step counts were 6356 (2953) steps/day and did not change (P>0.05) after 12 weeks, 6709 (2918) steps/day. The intervention group increased (P<0.001) step count from 6682 (3761) steps/day at baseline to 10182 (4081) steps/day at 12 weeks. Over the 12 week period there was no change in any other variables measured, in either control or intervention group.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that the current community-based intervention did not affect systemic markers of inflammation or insulin sensitivity.