Effectiveness of the StreetStrider as an exercise modality for healthy adults

Abstract

Purpose: 1) To determine if self-selected exercise using the StreetStrider meets ACSM guidelines for improving cardiorespiratory fitness and 2) to determine how self-selected exercise intensity using the StreetStrider compares to exercise on a stationary elliptical cross-trainer. Methods: Seven male (age 29.0 � 11.18 years) and eight female (age 27.5 � 11.29 years) adults performed three separate exercise tests, including a 30 minute test at a self-selected pace on both the StreetStrider and on a stationary elliptical cross-trainer as well as a maximal test using the elliptical cross-trainer. The subjects also completed an exercise enjoyment questionnaire after each of the two 30 minute exercise bouts. Results: It was found that self-selected exercise using the StreetStrider resulted in significantly greater heart rate (155 � 21.6 vs. 140 � 20.9 bpm; 85 � 9.8 vs. 77 � 10.5 %HRmax), V02 (30.5 � 3.65 vs. 27.0 � 5.76 mllkg/min; 71 � 10.1 vs. 63 � 15.2 %V02max), and caloric expenditure (11.5 � 3.23 vs. 10.2 � 3.50 kcal/min) than exercise using a stationary elliptical cross-trainer (p < .05). The exercise enjoyment questionnaire showed that there was no significant difference between enjoyment of exercise using the StreetStrider and exercise using the elliptical cross-trainer. Conclusion: Self-selected exercise using the StreetStrider meets current ACSM guidelines for improving cardiorespiratory fitness. Also, exercise using the StreetStrider elicited significantly greater HR, V02, and caloric expenditure responses in both men and women when compared to exercise on a stationary elliptical cross-trainer. Therefore, the StreetStrider seems to be an effective exercise modality for healthy adults especially those looking to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and control body weight. By using the StreetStrider regularly for exercise, healthy adults would be likely to experience the health and fitness benefits of physical activity.