title: Energy expenditure during submaximal walking with Exerstriders.
abstract: This study was designed to determine whether Exerstriding, a modified form of walking using walking sticks (Exerstriders), resulted in an augmented cardiorespiratory response and a greater energy expenditure than when walking without Exerstriders. Female subjects (23.6 +/- 4.0 yr; 58.5 +/- 5.5 kg) completed two randomly assigned trials of treadmill walking (6.7 km.h-1; 0% grade; 30 min.) with (Exerstrider (E)) and without Exerstriders (Control (C)). Mean oxygen consumption (E = 20.5 +/- 1.2 ml.min-1.kg-1; C = 18.3 +/- 2.5 ml.min-1.kg-1), heart rate (E = 132.5 +/- 19.2 beats.min-1; C = 121.5 +/- 21.2 beats.min-1) and respiratory exchange ratio (E = .82 +/- .03; C = .78 +/- .04) were significantly greater (P < or = 0.05) while walking with Exerstriders. Total caloric expenditure was also significantly greater during the Exerstrider condition (E = 173.7 +/- 20.9 kcal; C = 140.7 +/- 27.2 kcal.). In contrast, the rating of perceived exertion did not differ significantly between the two conditions. These data suggest that Exerstriding provides a means to increase caloric expenditure during submaximal walking, a factor that may be of critical importance in enhancing health benefits--such as improved body composition and aerobic capacity--typically associated with walking programs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Education and Exercise Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824-1049, USA.
authors.forename: C D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Rodgers
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: VanHeest
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Schachter
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*