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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2011 May;176(5):592-600.
doi: 10.7205/milmed-d-10-00256.

A pedometer-based intervention to improve physical activity, fitness, and coronary heart disease risk in National Guard personnel

Laura A Talbot  1 , E Jeffrey Metter, Christopher H Morrell, Kevin D Frick, Ali A Weinstein, Jerome L Fleg
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

A pedometer-based intervention to improve physical activity, fitness, and coronary heart disease risk in National Guard personnel

Laura A Talbot et al. Mil Med. 2011 May.

Abstract

To compare the effects of a pedometer-based behavioral intervention (Fitness for Life [FFL] program) and a traditional high-intensity fitness (TRAD) program on physical activity (PA), Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), and coronary heart disease risk factors in Army National Guard members who failed the APFT 2-mile run. From a pool of 261 Army National Guard, a total of 156 were randomized to TRAD or FFL for 24 weeks consisting of a 12-week progressive conditioning program followed by 12 weeks of maintenance. For both groups, the total APFT score and 2-mile run time/score improved from baseline to 12 weeks (FFL: down 7.4%, p = 0.03; TRAD: down 5%, p = 0.08) but at 24 weeks they had regressed toward baseline. PA improved modestly and coronary risk profile changed minimally in both groups. A pedometer-based exercise intervention had results similar to a high-intensity program for improving PA, APFT, and 2-mile run times/score. Neither group sustained the improved run times over the 12 weeks of maintenance.

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Figures

FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 1.
Flow diagram of the ARNG study.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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