Brisk walking allied to the use of an abdominal muscle stimulation machine can improve fitness and body appearance.

This is according to a study carried out by researchers at the University of Ulster who tested a 32-strong group of normally sedentary women, drawn from within the University, over an eight-week period.

One group engaged solely in taking 30-minute walks five times a week; another group carried out the walks while wearing an electrical muscle stimulation device; and, the third group (the control group) continued with their normal lifestyle.

Each of the participants was tested before, during and after the eight-week period to measure their height and body mass; blood pressure; fitness on a treadmill and ability to perform stomach crunches.

The study found that those who wore the device while walking achieved the greatest decrease in body mass; a reduction in waist and hip measurements; the greatest increase in abdominal muscle strength and endurance; and an improvement in stomach appearance and clothes fit.

Dr Marie Murphy, the principal investigator on the study, said: “Improved muscle tone, particularly in the abdominal region, is a frequently cited motive for engaging in exercise programmes.

“The health benefits of brisk walking in reducing cardiovascular risk have been well documented. We were examining, as part of a sponsored research programme, the efficacy of a combined programme of brisk walking and abdominal muscle stimulation on fitness, health, body composition and body self-perception among sedentary women. The answer appears to be ‘Yes’ according to the results of the study.

“Importantly, we discovered that those who undertook exercise – with or without the muscle stimulation device - had greater self-esteem and more satisfaction with their bodies at the end of the study period,” she concluded.

(MB/GMCG)