Effectiveness of a physical activity program on cardiovascular disease risk in adult primary health-care users: the "Pas-a-Pas" community intervention trial.

Background: Physical activity is a major, modifiable, risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) that contributes to the prevention and management of CVD. The aim of this study was to assess the short- and medium-term effectiveness of 9 months of a supervised physical activity program, including sociocultural activities, on CVD risk in adults.

Methods: Multicentered, randomized, controlled community intervention involving 364 patients in four primary care centers.

Physical activity below the minimum international recommendations improves oxidative stress, ADMA levels, resting heart rate and small artery endothelial function.

Background: A moderate level of physical activity (PA), such as a daily 30-min walk, reduces cardiovascular risk. There is a lack of evidence about the cardiovascular benefits of PA below this recommendation of minimum PA level.

Objective: We aimed to study the impact of a lower level of PA on cardiovascular health.

Even low physical activity levels improve vascular function in overweight and obese postmenopausal women.

Objective: Some individuals with cardiovascular risk are unable to achieve even the lower internationally recommended level of physical activity (PA). We aimed to study the impact of a lower-than-advised level of PA on small artery vascular function and oxidative stress in overweight and obese postmenopausal women.

Methods: Forty-seven overweight and obese postmenopausal women completed a 4-month program of 1-hour low-intensity PA for 2 days per week.