Aerobic responses to 12 weeks of exerstriding or walkins training in sedentary adult women

Abstract

were randomly placed in a walking (W = 30), exerstriding (ES = 29), or control (C = 27) group. All Ss completed a walking VO,max test prior to and after completing a 12 week walking program. Metabolic responses were obtained each min throughout the treadmill tests using standard open-circuit techniques. HR and RPE were also obtained throughout the tests. Both W and ES trained for 30--45 min per day, 4 days per week at 70-85% of max HR. In addition, the ES group used rubber tipped walking sticks (Exerstriders) to supplement their traditional walking workout. None of the C group's physiological responses to the VOzmax tests were significantly (p >.05) altered. A slight increase (p < .05) in max V, occurred from pre- to posttesting in E, but not the W group. VO,max significantly (p < .01) increased by 7.6% (36.5 to 39.5 ml~~.k~-'.rnin-f'o)r the W and 7.7% (33.7 ' to 36.5 ml-kg-"min-') for ES. Treadmill time significantly (p < .01) increased by 17.9 and 20.7% in ES and W, respectively. No difference in the changes between the ES and W groups existed. There were no significant (p > .05) differences in max R value, HR, or RPE for either groups. Both groups exercised at the same intensity, but the Exerstriders walked significantly (p < .05) slower than the walkers. Both walking and using Exerstriders provide a sufficient training stimulus to increase aerobic performance in previously sedentary women. The physiological benefits of Exerstriding can occur at a lesser training speed and shorter distance traversed compared to walking.