The impact of walking as a physical activity on vitamin D levels and sleep quality

Abstract

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble compound with antioxidant properties that are important for maintaining the body's mineral balance. Vitamin D can be obtained from exogenous sources (food) or endogenously synthesised by the skin through exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays. Although it is a vitamin, it is also considered a hormone because it is activated by chemical reactions in the body. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of walking on vitamin D levels and sleep quality. The research used a quasi-experimental method with a randomised pre- and post-test-controlled group design. In this study, two groups were randomised, the intervention group and the control group. Both groups were pre-tested and then post-tested to find out the difference in average vitamin D levels and sleep quality. Gender, age, BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were not found to be confounding variables. There were no significant changes in the pre- and post-sleep quality scores of the control group. In addition, there was no significant difference in pre-sleep quality and a significant difference in post-sleep quality. However, there is a significant difference in changes in vitamin D levels between the control and intervention groups. There is a significant effect of walking on vitamin D levels and sleep quality.