Association Of Habitual Walking Behaviors With Metabolic Health Outcomes In Elderly With Metabolic Syndrome

Purpose: To investigate the relationships between walking parameters, health, and well-being outcomes in older adults with and without Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and Metabolic Syndrome (MetSyn). Methods: A total of 70 subjects, (age ≥ 65 years), were recruited from diabetes outpatient and community clinics. Daily step count and walking distance were assessed using a pedometer. Comfortable walking speed and average step length were measured. Health parameters and well-being measures were collected. Results: Subjects with MetSyn walked less and slower than subjects with no MetSyn (2.56 ± 0.27 vs. 3.46 ± 0.32 km/day and 3.48 ± 0.18 vs. 4.29 ± 0.16 km/hr, respectively). While no significant differences were found in walking parameters between individuals with and without diabetes, individuals with abdominal obesity walked less and at a slower pace compared to individuals with no abdominal obesity. Daily number of steps and daily walking distance did not correlate with health outcomes, however, individuals with comfortable walking speed ≥4 km/hr had smaller waist circumference, lower BMI, and improved emotional well-being. Conclusion: This study underscores the significance of walking speed in conjunction with daily step count in predicting health outcomes in older adults with T2D and MetSyn. Routine walking parameter assessments, including comfortable walking speed, can be valuable in clinical care and designing effective intervention programs. Keywords: Central obesity, Chronic metabolic conditions, Comfortable walking speed, Pedometer, Daily step count