Improvement in submaximal aerobic fitness and fatigue after an 8-week walking program in anemic adolescent girls

Background
Anemia, particularly iron-deficiency anemia, is common among adolescent girls and is often associated with reduced physical capacity, increased fatigue, and diminished quality of life. Submaximal aerobic capacity, an indicator of cardiovascular health and functional endurance, is frequently compromised in individuals with anemia. While pharmacologic and dietary interventions are the mainstay of anemia management, non-pharmacological strategies such as physical activity have shown potential in improving functional outcomes. Walking, as a low-impact and accessible form of aerobic exercise, may serve as a sustainable intervention to enhance cardiorespiratory fitness and alleviate fatigue. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a structured walking program on submaximal aerobic capacity and fatigue levels in adolescent girls diagnosed with anemia.

Aims
To evaluate the effects of an 8-week structured walking program on fatigue and submaximal aerobic capacity in adolescent girls with mild to moderate anemia.

Material and methods
A single-group pre-post intervention study was conducted on 37 anemic adolescent girls aged 18–24 years. Participants underwent a supervised walking program (5 days/week, 45–50 min/day) for 8 weeks. Outcome measures included 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and fatigue levels (FACIT-F scale), assessed pre- and post-intervention. Normality was tested using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Paired t-tests and Wilcoxon Signed-Rank tests were used to assess differences.

Results
Significant improvements were observed post-intervention in 6MWD, heart rate, and systolic BP. Fatigue and diastolic BP also significantly improved.

Conclusions
Conclusions: A structured walking program improved aerobic fitness, cardiovascular parameters, and fatigue levels in anemic adolescent girls. This low-cost intervention may be a valuable component of anemia management.