Changes in BMI, lipid profile, disease perception, and quality of life among myocardial infarction patients participating in a 12-week green walking: A quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Objective

This study assessed the 12-week intervention of green walking on BMI, blood lipids, disease perception, and quality of life among myocardial infarction patients.

Methods

In a quasi-experimental design, 60 participants (28 men, 32 women; aged 36–77 years) were assigned to intervention (green walk) or control (routine care) groups based on geographic convenience. The green walking group performed high-intensity interval walking for 50 min three times a week in a natural setting for 12 weeks. Adherence was monitored via attendance logs, with a mean of 91.7 % (SD 7.1 %). Primary outcomes included BMI and lipid profiles, while secondary outcomes included perceived illness and quality of life, assessed through validated questionnaires. A mixed-design model incorporating time-group interaction was used for analysis. Data were analyzed using mixed-design ANOVA, repeated-measures ANOVA, paired t-tests, Friedman tests, and Wilcoxon tests.

Results

The green walk group showed improvements in several measures including a reduction in BMI and positive changes in lipid profiles and disease perception scores with enhanced quality of life for both groups. The mean differences between groups for weight, BMI, and concerns over medication were not significant. No severe adverse events were recorded during the entire 12-week program.

Conclusions

Participation in the green walking program for 12 weeks is associated with favorable trends in BMI, lipid levels, disease perception, and quality of life among myocardial infarction patients which structured green walking can be an aid toward improving well-being during cardiac rehabilitation; however further randomized controlled studies will substantive such an association.