Development of interesting step-climbing styles.
OBJECTIVE
This study was to investigate the influence of stepping styles (forward, side, and cross steppings) and inclinations (25 and 45 degrees) on cardiorespiratory responses (C-R responses).


METHODS
Twenty volunteers were recruited and randomly arranged into two ten-people groups, exercising on step-climbing machines respectively of 25 and 45 degrees of inclination. C-R responses were recorded during each test which lasted for six minutes at 50 steps per minute on a step-climbing machine.


RESULTS
The group on 25-degree inclination had significantly lower C-R responses than the group on 45-degree inclination. Although only small differences, probably statistically insignificant, were found among the three step-climbing styles, these differences showed interesting trends independent of inclination.


CONCLUSIONS
Climbing stairs with the three interesting step-climbing styles in this study could be considered as an exercise of moderate intensity (60-80% HRmax ). Climbing on 25-degree inclination at 50 steps per minute is recommended for less fit individuals because of lower cardiovascular stress as compared with on 45-degree inclination.
Chen
J J
JJ
Yang Ming Exercise Health Science Institute, National Yang-Ming University, 155 Li-Nong St. Sec.2, Shih-Pai, Taipei 112, Taipei City, Taiwan. jjchen@ym.edu.tw
Weng
L Y
LY
Peng
S M
SM
Tsai
M W
MW
Hsu
M J
MJ
Huang
C C
CC
Lin
S L
SL
Liing
R J
RJ
Hsien
H W
HW
Liao
Y H
YH
D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D010807:Physical Endurance / Q000502:physiology; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology; D011659:Pulmonary Gas Exchange / Q000502:physiology; D013624:Taiwan; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*