Date
4-2022
Project Type
URC Presentation
College or School
COLSA
Class Year
Senior
Major
Biomedical Sciences: Med/Vet
Faculty Research Advisor
Dr. Michael S. Brian
Abstract
Post-meal walking (PMW) performed after breakfast, lunch, and dinner has been demonstrated to reduce blood glucose. However, no studies have examined the potential additive benefits of post-meal walking exercise on daytime central blood pressure (BP) in young women. METHODS: Thirteen physically inactive, non-hypertensive women (Age: 20±1 years; percent body fat: 28.2±13%) completed the study during the early follicular or placebo phase of their contraceptive cycle. Participants completed a control day (CON; no exercise/excess physical activity) and PMW day (3 bouts x 15 minutes of brisk walking) over five days in random order. Daytime ambulatory BP and accelerometry data (to estimate METs) were measured and compared. RESULTS: PMW increased metabolic expenditure (PMW= 35.8±1.44 vs. CON= 33.7±0.94 METs, p<0.05). Daytime central blood pressure trended to increase or was increased on the PMW day compared to the control day (Central Systolic BP: PWM= 104±8 vs. CON= 101±9 mmHg, p=0.054; Central Diastolic BP: PWM= 73±6.5 vs. CON= 70±7 mmHg, p<0.05; Central Mean BP: PWM= 88±8 vs. CON= 85±8 mmHg, p<0.05). PMW also increased daytime heart rate (PWM= 85±7. vs. CON= 80±5 bpm, p<0.05). Further, a median split based on adiposity did not lead to any meaningful reductions in daytime central BP (p>0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: PMW does not lead to reductions in central BP in young, physically inactive women.
Recommended Citation
D'Amelio, Maison P.; Chaudhry, Bilal A.; Lazu, Ciana B.; and Brian, Michael S., "The effect of post-meal walking on daytime blood pressure in young adult women" (2022). Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) Student Presentations. 530.
https://scholars.unh.edu/urc/530