Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2017 , Vol 63 , Num 4

Efficacy of moderate-intensity walking provided feedback by ECE PEDO on abdominal fat in overweight and obese women: A randomized, exercise study

Esra Göçer 1 ,Füsun Ardıç 1 ,Nuray Akkaya 1 ,Duygu Herek 2
1 Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pamukkale, Faculty of Medicine, Denizli, Turkey
2 Department of Radiology, University of Pamukkale, Faculty of Medicine, Denizli, Turkey
DOI : 10.5606/tftrd.2017.1956 Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of walking with Equipment for Clever Exercise (ECE PEDO) compared to supervised, moderate-intensity, aerobic, treadmill walking exercise in overweight and obese women.

Patients and methods: Between September 2014 and January 2015, 28 women with overweight and obesity were assigned to two groups: supervised treadmill walking (Group 1, n=14) or walking with ECE PEDO (Group 2, n=14). The target heart rate (HR) corresponding to values of 50 to 70% VO2max were determined by submaximal treadmill test. Group 1 was instructed walking at their target HR on treadmill. The number of steps in a min corresponding to the target HR was calculated by a criterion pedometer and Group 2 was instructed walking in this step range recorded to the ECE PEDO giving audible feedback. Before and after a 12-week exercise program, all participants were evaluated by Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). Ultrasonographic visceral fat thickness (VFT) and ergospirometric VO2max.

Results: The VFT decreased in both walking groups in association with reduced WC and weight loss and also significant increases in the VO2max after exercise intervention (p<0.05). The VFT decreased only in women by walking with ECE PEDO compared to the other group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Our study results showed that both moderate-intensity exercise provided by a novel pedometer and supervised treadmill walking showed significant improvements in abdominal obesity and VO2max. Keywords : Abdominal obesity; aerobic exercise; pedometer