The Effect of Aerobic Walking on Sleep Quality, Stress and Life Satisfaction: A Longitudinal Analysis a Randomized Control Trial

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the longitudinal effects of a randomized control trial about a goal-setting aerobic walking intervention conducted among sedentary young adults.MethodsA 4-week daily aerobic walking (a. continually walking for at least 10 minutes; b. walk at least 60 steps per minute.) intervention was conducted to examine its effectiveness on sleep quality, stress and life satisfaction. Fifty-four participants aged 19–36 years old were assigned into two groups randomly (i.e. intervention group, control group). Sleep quality, stress and life satisfaction were assessed at baseline, post intervention and four weeks after the intervention by a battery of questionnaires. Omron HJ-112 pedometer and daily diary were used to facilitate the intervention process.ResultsThe comparison between intervention group and control group did not show significant difference in terms of sleep quality, stress and life satisfaction after intervention. Repeated measures ANOVA showed significant longitudinal effect with regard to stress (p = 0.03). Sleep quality was improved close to statistical significance (p = 0.06). Longitudinal analysis reported that the aerobic walking effect pertaining to life satisfaction rather than stress and sleep quality (p = 0.05).ConclusionsAerobic walking is an effective exercise for stress and sleep. Further studies are suggested to explore feasible intervention strategies that could bring long-term effectiveness to health.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04427696. Registered 11June 2020- retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04427696?cntry=HU&city=Budapest&draw=2&rank=1