ISMJ

Background: Inactivity is a leading contributor to chronic health problems. Physical activity (PA) is an important element in maintaining the health and functional ability in the population and has favorable effects on lipid profile in adults. Here, we examined the effects of pedometer-based PA (step/day ) in healthy middle age men. Methods: Height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and daily oxygen consumption (VO2peak) were measured in 27 active and sedentary healthy middle aged men (40-65 yr). Subjects wore a pedometer throughout the day for three consecutive weeks, and average steps per day (physical activity volume) were measured. Fasting serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) were measured. Results: Mean of Daily steps in the Active group (AG) (12632±3957 steps/day) was significantly higher than sedentary group (SG) (5347±1631step/day) (p<0.001). Also There was a significant difference in daily oxygen consumption in the 2 groups, with higher values found in the AG (p<0.001). TG and TC concentrations in the AG were significantly lower than SG (p<0.05). TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratios in the AG were significantly lower than SG (p<0.05), whereas, HDL-C and LDL-C concentrations were not different in the two groups (p>0.05). A significant correlation was found between average steps per day and TG (-0.424, P = 0.027) TC (-0.389, P = 0.045) TC/HDL-C (-0.469 P = 0.014) HDL-C/LDL-C (-0.390 P = 0.044) and Daily Oxygen Consumption (-0.853 P = 0.000). Conclusion: It seems that, healthy middle-aged men, who have more ambulatory activity (average of 12,500 step/day), have significantly better blood lipids’ profile.