Relationship between number of steps, weather factors, and clinical test findings in participants of the "Health Up" model program in Okuizumo, Shimane Prefecture

We analyzed the relationship between walking habits, weather factors, and clinical test findings over 3 years. Subjects were 41 participants (10 men, 31 women) of the "Health Up" program implemented by the town of Okuizumo in Shimane Prefecture from 2004 through 2006. Subjects' mean age (SD) was 59.23 (6.58) years. Among weather factors, a significant relation was seen only with snow accumulation (P < 0.05). Number of steps was negatively correlated with the clinical test values for triglyceride and V02max and positively correlated with blood sugar level (P < 0.01). These results revealed that walking is effective in the prevention of cardiovascular disease risk factors, and that number of steps is an important exercise criterion to lower the cardiovascular mortality rate.