2021 Volume 3 Issue 11 Pages 639-646
Background:Kurortis a German term from the wordskur(cure) andort(area), and refers to improvements in patients’ health in areas full of nature. We investigated the effect ofkurorthealth walking in the 2 urban-stylekurorthealth walking courses opened in Gifu City on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate, and mood.
Methods and Results:The subjects were 454 people (136 males, 318 females; mean [±SD] age 61.7±9.9 years) taking part inkurorthealth walking for the first time. SBP, DBP, and heart rate were measured before and afterkurorthealth walking. Mood was assessed using a 10-item checklist afterkurorthealth walking.Kurorthealth walking significantly decreased SBP and DBP and increased heart rate. The decrease in SBP was significantly greater in the SBP ≥140 than <140 mmHg group, indicating that SBP beforeKurorthealth walking was inversely correlated with the change in SBP. Similarly, the decrease in DBP was significantly greater in the DBP ≥90 than <90 mmHg group, indicating that DBP beforekurorthealth walking was also inversely correlated with the change in DBP. All 10 items on the mood assessment were significantly improved afterkurorthealth walking.
Conclusions:Kurorthealth walking preferentially decreases higher blood pressure and improves mood.
