Comparison of heart rate responses. Water walking versus treadmill walking.
The purpose of this study was to compare heart rate responses to water walking versus treadmill walking to determine whether the responses were of sufficient magnitude to elicit cardiorespiratory training effects. The heart rates of 12 healthy, female college students were measured immediately after walking in waist-deep water and on a treadmill at the same distance, durations, and speeds (2.55, 2.77, 3.02, and 3.31 km/hr). A significant increase in heart rate with increased speeds resulted from water walking (p less than .05); from rest to the fastest speed, it was 135% (96 bpm). For treadmill walking, the increase of 19% (13 bpm) was not significant. The heart rates for the water condition were significantly higher (p less than .05) at each speed. These findings indicate that water walking could serve as an effective exercise mode, for example, for cardiorespiratory fitness for individuals who are unable to perform such weight-bearing activities as jogging, fast walking, cycling, and dancing.
Whitley
J D
JD
California State College, Bakersfield 93309.
Schoene
L L
LL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008124:Locomotion; D005082:Physical Exertion; D012146:Rest; D014867:Water
D014867:Water