The Effects of Walking on Cardiovascular Health in Adults and the Elderly: A Systematic Review
İsmail İlbak, Tamara Ilic, Stefan Stojanović, Ratko Pavlović, Nikola Radulović, Nikolina Gerdijan, Irina Kylymnyk
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Abstract
This systematic review aimed to comprehensively examine the effects of walking on the cardiovascular health of adults and elderly individuals. By evaluating the impacts of various forms and durations of walking on cardiovascular parameters, this study synthesizes findings from the existing literature. Conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, the study involved a thorough review of articles identified through searches in electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, MEDLINE, and Web of Science, using predefined keywords. A total of 15 articles meeting the inclusion criteria were analyzed. The findings indicate that walking generally exerts positive effects on cardiovascular health and plays a significant role in preventing cardiovascular diseases, particularly in elderly individuals. Walking at low to moderate intensities was highlighted for its beneficial effects on cardiovascular parameters. However, the lack of efficacy observed in some studies appears to be influenced by individual differences, frequency, duration, and the design of walking protocols. Future research should focus on longer-term studies with protocols tailored to individual characteristics to achieve clearer and more generalizable outcomes. Journal of Rare Cardiovascular Diseases 2024; 4(8): 174–178
key word
Late adulthood, Aging, Cardiovascular Health, Walking
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