A study conducted in Bangkok, Thailand, found that light-intensity walking can lower postprandial glucose levels and diastolic blood pressure in young adults with obesity, with potential improvements in insulin levels depending on the walking pattern.
The randomized crossover trial included 16 participants aged 18-34 years with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher. The participants underwent four different 7-hour experimental conditions: uninterrupted sitting, 30 minutes of continuous light-intensity walking, 3-minute light-intensity walking every 30 minutes, and a combination of the two walking regimens. Each condition was separated by a 7- to 20-day washout period. Researchers measured baseline and 6-hour postprandial levels of glucose, insulin, triglycerides, and blood pressure, and incremental areas under the curve (iAUC) for each outcome were compared.
The results showed that all walking interventions significantly reduced postprandial glucose levels and diastolic blood pressure compared to uninterrupted sitting. Continuous 30-minute light-intensity walking, either alone or combined with 3-minute walking intervals, also lowered postprandial insulin levels. However, no notable differences were observed in triglycerides iAUC or systolic blood pressure among the four conditions. These findings highlight the potential of light-intensity walking to improve cardiometabolic health in young adults with obesity.
The study’s small sample size of 16 participants limits the generalizability of its findings, as the results may not apply to a broader population. Additionally, the study’s short duration, with only 7-hour experimental conditions, does not capture potential long-term effects. The controlled laboratory environment, along with prescribed activities and dietary profiles, may not accurately reflect real-world scenarios. Another limitation is the absence of objective measurements for physical activity and sedentary behavior to verify participant compliance across the different experimental conditions.
