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 kn•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 ≤ 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. © 1995 by the American College of Sports Medicine.