Stepping Strong to Control Blood Pressure, Weight, and Fatigue

Abstract

(41st Biennial Convention) One of three U. S. adults has high blood pressure. It is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke contributing to 326,000 deaths in 2006 and costing $76.6 billion in health care services, medications, and missed days of work (CDC, 2010). The American Heart Association (2011) reports that 120-150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week can reduce the risk burden of high blood pressure for heart disease and stroke. Among U. S. adults, being overweight or obese is associated with nearly 112,000 excess deaths and a decreased life expectancy. Fatigue negatively affects a person's actual and perceived physical well-being and the ability to exercise regularly. This ongoing study is examining the impact of a planned 10-week walking and educational program on a southeast United States adult community-based population's blood pressure, weight, and perception of fatigue using the Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF). Additionally, the Stroke Recognition Questionnaire (SRQ) provides an understanding of what these participants know or do not know about stroke warning signs and risk factors. Currently, 26 adults (25 women, one male), mean age of 58.52 years, have completed the program, and another 36 adults are in week four. Preliminary data analysis indicates that the severity, distress, and degree of interference in activities of daily living of fatigue decreased as the average number of steps walked per day in week one increased from 4354 to 5842 steps in week ten (p=.004). In this initial group no significant decrease in blood pressure or weight is noted. Stroke knowledge scores improved from week one to week ten. Results of this ongoing study are encouraging regarding the usefulness of a community-based group program of walking and education to address control of blood pressure and weight, decrease effect of fatigue, and improve stroke knowledge.