PURPOSE: Despite well-known benefits of walking on cardiovascular health, no structured walking exercise program has been formally tested on elderly Korean immigrants (EKIs). This pilot randomized controlled trial study assessed the effect of a walking program on walking behavior (pedometer steps count), stress (cortisol), depressive symptoms (CESD-10), and cardiovascular disease biomarkers (hs-CRP and fibrinogen) via venipuncture in EKIs. METHODS: Seventy EKIs recruited from a Korean community were randomly assigned to a 12-week walking group or control group in a 3:2 ratio. The working program included a pedometer, buddy, monthly coffee card, weekly call for goal setting, and physical activity consultation. Walking group EKIs maintained the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended exercise guidelines and good mental health status over 12 weeks. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the outcomes between control and walking groups. CONCLUSION: Social networking with Koreans in the senior center and church from a well-established Korean community might have positive effects on mental health.
Aged* ; Biomarkers* ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.) ; Coffee ; Depression* ; Emigrants and Immigrants* ; Humans ; Mental Health ; Motor Activity ; Phlebotomy ; Senior Centers ; Walking*