The effects of twelve weeks of walking or exerstriding on upper body muscular strength and endurance

Abstract

This study determined potential changes in upper body muscular strength and endurance as a result of walking with the use of specially designed walking poles (Exerstriders). Ninety-two inactive females, 20-49 yrs, volunteered to participate in the study. Ss were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Exerstriders (E), who walked using the Exerstriders; Walkers (W), who participated in a conventional walking program; and Controls (C). E and W participated in a supervised 12-week walking program, exercising 4 days per week, for 20-45 min per session, at 70-85% of maximal HR. Ss were assessed for upper body muscular strength and endurance before and after training. Strength (lb) was assessed using 1-RM tests for triceps pushdown and a modified lateral pulldown exercise. To assess muscular endurance, Ss performed a 1 min bout of alternating arm pulls on a modified Biokinetic Swim Bench apparatus. Total work output (kpm) was used as the criterion measure. Changes in muscular strength and endurance were analyzed with repeated measures ANOVA and Tukeyls post-hoc tests. E had sig (pc.01) increase (37%) in muscular endurance from pre to posttesting, which was greater than the non sig (p>.01) increases shown by W (14%) and C (5%). There were no sig (p>.Ol) changes in pushdown or pulldown strength in any group. It would appear that although Exerstriding can result in substantial increases in muscular endurance, it may not provide sufficient stimulus to increase strength. A longer training period may be needed to alter this parameter.