EFFECTS OF BRISK WALKING ON PHYSIOLOGICAL COMPONENTS AMONG ADULTS AGED 50-65 YEARS -A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Physical inactivity among middle-aged and older adults is a growing concern, contributing to cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and reduced quality of life. Brisk walking represents an accessible, low-cost intervention that may improve multiple physiological parameters in this population. objective of the study To evaluate the effects of a 12-week brisk walking intervention on physiological components including body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), breath holding capacity ,pulse rate, and blood pressure in inactive adults aged 50-65 years. Methodology of the study was a randomized controlled trial was conducted with 100 inactive adults aged 50-65 years. Participants were randomly allocated to either a brisk walking intervention group (n=50) or control group (n=50). The intervention group performed supervised brisk walking for 5 kilometers,3 times per week for 12 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention measurements were taken for all physiological variables. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests. Finding of the result significant improvements were observed in all measured physiological parameters in the intervention group. BMI showed significant reduction (t=8.33, p<0.01), WHR decreased significantly (t=6.66, p<0.01), breath holding capacity improved (t=7.4, p<0.01), pulse rated creased (t=23.57, p<0.01), and blood pressure reduced from 150/100 to 140/90 mmHg. Twelve weeks of brisk walking significantly improved physiological health parameters in inactive adults aged 50-65 years, suggesting this intervention as an effective strategy for cardiovascular and metabolic health improvement in this population. The results demonstrate that brisk walking has positive effects on physiological variables and adult health.