Short-term effects of participation in a community-based exercise program: a study in the Pueblo of Zuni.

This article describes the short-term effects of participation by Zuni Indians in a community-based exercise program. On enrollment, and again after 12 weeks, certain anthropometric and physiological parameters were measured. Participants lost weight and demonstrated reductions in body mass index, waist circumference, percentage of body fat, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and resting pulse rate. Participants with diabetes were more likely to lower glycosylated hemoglobin than diabetic controls. Sustained participation in such a program might reduce and prevent diabetes, hypertension, coronary vascular disease, and other obesity-related conditions.