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Meditative and mindful exercise are types of physical exercise during which people pay attention, on purpose, to each new present moment without judging their experience. The goal is to apply an accepting awareness of the environment, bodily sensations, thoughts, and emotions without labeling them (e.g., good or bad). The literature centers on qigong, tai chi, and yoga, which are types of mindful exercise that improve mental and cardiovascular health. It is unclear if meditative and mindful walking also improve these health domains. To the authors' knowledge, this question has not been addressed by a published systematic review. The purpose of this systematic review without a meta-analysis was to synthesize the literature on meditative and mindful walking to determine their effects on mental and cardiovascular health. The protocol follows the PRISMA guidelines, is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021241180), and is published elsewhere in a peer-reviewed journal. The systematic review contains 14 studies that had various populations, interventions, and outcomes. In 13 studies, the interventions statistically significantly improved scores on at least one outcome of mental or cardiovascular health (e.g., affect, anxiety, depression, distress, state mindfulness, stress, blood pressure, and six-minute walk distance). The improved outcomes should be interpreted cautiously because their clinical meaningfulness is unclear, and the studies had severe methodological limitations. Determining if meditative and mindful walking meaningfully improve mental and cardiovascular health will require randomized controlled trials that use rigorous designs, transparent protocols, and clinically meaningful outcomes that indicate physical function, mental wellbeing, morbidity, and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Scientia Medica is the property of EDIPUCRS - Editora Universitaria da PUCRS and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Cuadernos de Psicología del Deporte is the property of Cuadernos de Psicologia del Deporte and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

• Walking during pregnancy provides several health benefits to both mother and child. • Walking appears resistant to many barriers that impede other physical activity modalities during pregnancy. • Walking interventions may increase physical activity behavior among pregnant women. • Developing valid methods to measure walking and activity among pregnant women is crucial to increasing their physical activity. • Though they are desperately needed, few pregnancy-focused walking initiatives exist. Walking is the most commonly chosen type of physical activity (PA) during pregnancy and provides several health benefits to both mother and child. National initiatives have promoted the importance of walking in general, but little emphasis is directed toward pregnant women, the majority of whom are insufficiently active. Pregnant women face a variety of dynamic barriers to a physically active lifestyle, some of which are more commonly experienced during specific times throughout the pregnancy experience. Walking is unique in that it appears resistant to a number of these barriers that limit other types of PA participation, and it can be meaningfully integrated into some transportation and occupational activities when leisure-time options are unavailable. Preliminary intervention work suggests that walking programs can be effectively adopted into a typical pregnancy lifestyle. However, a great deal of work remains to administer successful pregnancy walking interventions, including developing and using validated methods of PA and walking assessment. This narrative review discusses the unique advantages of walking during pregnancy, provides recommendations for future intervention work, and outlines the need for pregnancy-focused community walking initiatives. Standard search procedures were followed to determine sources from the literature specific to walking during pregnancy for use in each section of this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Facta Universitatis: Series Physical Education & Sport is the property of Facta Universitatis, Series Physical Education & Sport and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) have important implications for health benefits. A growing number of people use consumer available wearables such as activity trackers, which claim to objectively monitor PA and SB in free-living conditions. These devices could provide essential information to understand the influence of behavior on health. This understanding assumes that available consumer products correctly monitor PA in the everyday life. A general approach in science is to validate such activity devices in a controlled environment. The classical procedure to investigate criterion validity is to examine new devices based on the gold standard. To our knowledge, the resulting validation data are not often analyzed and shared with manufacturers to further develop and improve the activity device. The current study can be seen as a validation study to check the criterion validity of a consumer-level activity device. The novelty of this study was the application of a stepwise approach to optimize the calculations of a consumer available activity device (i.e., Activ8; www.activ8all.com/product/activ8-professional-activity-monitor/) for estimating energy expenditure (EE) in walking and running. Forty adults (27 males and 13 females) participated in three substudies. Each substudy consisted of several walking and running activities in which EE was simultaneously measured with indirect calorimetry (as reference value) and the Activ8 activity device. EE values at each walking and running speed were compared to identify the accuracy of the Activ8 device. After completion of the first and second substudies, the results were shared and discussed with the manufacturer of Activ8. Next, the calculations for EE were adapted to the indirect calorimetry values to improve accuracy. In the second and third substudies, the modifications were tested, and results were used to further optimize the calculation of EE. The results of this study show an improved correlation between EE measured by indirect calorimetry and the Activ8 activity device (R2 from 0.91 to 0.95); a decrease in differences between substudy A and substudy B considering EE measured (indirect calorimetry) and calculated (Activ8 calculation) was observed. The second modification in the calculation showed a further increase in correlation (R2 from 0.95 to 0.97) between the measured and calculated EE; however, the absolute difference between the two values increased. The results from a validation study are valuable to use for further adaptation of accelerometer device calculations. A stepwise science-industry collaboration can improve the calculation accuracy and may be a practical approach for validation studies in which human movement scientists and technology manufacturers work together to successfully improve the validity and accuracy of consumer-based activity devices. Highlights • Criterion validation of a consumer-based activity device. • A stepwise approach to use validation data to improve calculation of energy expenditure. • Science-industry collaboration for optimization of a consumer-based activity device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The six-minute walk test (6MWT) assesses the functional exercise capacity and its impairments due to chronic cardiorespiratory and/or musculoskeletal conditions, particularly in the elderly. The clinimetric properties and clinical utility of the 6MWT are well-described, but little is known about the gait kinematics during this test. This study evaluated the feasibility of a study protocol based on whole-body gait kinematics to assess the validity of the 6MWT over a 10-m walkway in the elderly. Methods Eight elderly healthy participants (7 women, aged 61–77 years) underwent the 6MWT over a 10-m rectilinear walkway. The data were collected using infrared cameras and a spherical marker covered with retroreflective tape firmly attached to a helmet worn by the participant during the 6MWT. Results The total distance measured by the assessor was significantly smaller than both its kinematics ( P  = 0.012) and model-predicted ( P  = 0.017) counterparts. The total distance measured by the kinematics was also smaller than the predicted one ( P  = 0.025). A large bias toward underestimating the 6MWD, as measured by the assessor (mean = −32, SD = 6.3 m), was observed along with a high determination coefficient ( R 2  = 99.2%). Most of the participants presented a negative trend for the average speed as a function of half-turns. Discussion Analysis of whole-body gait kinematics is feasible using motion capture systems and can be used to assess the validity of the 6MWT over a 10-m walkway in the elderly. The 6MWD, as measured by the assessor, underestimates the actual covered distance in the 6MWT but not the functional exercise capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lower body positive pressure (LBPP) is an effective way of simulating hypogravity. This study measured the submaximal VO2, VCO2 and heart rate when walking on an LBPP treadmill at 1G and simulated Martian gravity (0.38G). Twelve healthy subjects with a mean age ± SD of 22.75 ± 5.38 yrs took part in this study with full consent. The LBPP box used was designed and built by the Microgravity Center. The subjects walked for 8 min at a control of 1G and then for another 8 min in simulated 0.38G 2 wks later. VO2 was 1.00 ± 0.61 L·min-1 at 1G and 0.68 ± 0.33 L·min-1 in the simulated 0.38G (P<0.05). Average caloric expenditure was significantly reduced at simulated Martian gravity (4.79 ± 2.80 kcal·min-1) when compared to the control (3.37 ± 1.49 Kcal·min-1) (P<0.05). The subjects' HR was reduced from 118.49 ± 15.07 beats·min-1 at 1G to 106.20 ± 11.17 beats·min-1 at simulated 0.38G (P<0.05). The average respiratory exchange ratio was significantly increased from 0.83 ± 0.13 to 1.14 ± 0.19 in simulated 0.38G (P<0.05), with no significant difference seen in VCO2. Energy consumption was significantly decreased when walking in LBPP simulated hypogravity. Further research into LBPP physiology can be used to calibrate EVA suits and advise on exercise regimes for future astronauts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the mechanical response of a modular head-neck interface of hip joint implants under realistic loads of level walking. The realistic loads of the walking activity consist of three dimensional gait forces and the associated frictional moments. These forces and moments were extracted for a 32 mm metal-on-metal bearing couple. A previously reported geometry of a modular CoCr/CoCr head-neck interface with a proximal contact was used for this investigation. An explicit finite element analysis was performed to investigate the interface mechanical responses. To study the level of contribution and also the effect of superposition of the load components, three different scenarios of loading were studied: gait forces only, frictional moments only, and combined gait forces and frictional moments. Stress field, micro-motions, shear stresses and fretting work at the contacting nodes of the interface were analysed. Gait forces only were found to significantly influence the mechanical environment of the head-neck interface by temporarily extending the contacting area (8.43% of initially non-contacting surface nodes temporarily came into contact), and therefore changing the stress field and resultant micro-motions during the gait cycle. The frictional moments only did not cause considerable changes in the mechanical response of the interface (only 0.27% of the non-contacting surface nodes temporarily came into contact). However, when superposed with the gait forces, the mechanical response of the interface, particularly micro-motions and fretting work, changed compared to the forces only case. The normal contact stresses and micro-motions obtained from this realistic load-controlled study were typically in the range of 0–275 MPa and 0–38 µm, respectively. These ranges were found comparable to previous experimental displacement-controlled pin/cylinder-on-disk fretting corrosion studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior work has reported that the declines observed in body mass index (BMI) and circumference measurements in their cross-sectional data were twice as large when calculated from distance energy expenditure estimations compared to energy expenditure estimations based on time and intensity. The primary purpose of this study was to compare walking/running for distance to walking/running for time as part of an exercise intervention. This study followed a between-subjects, repeated measures design. Fifteen overweight, but otherwise healthy participants completed the study. The time-based group walked/ran for self-reported time while the distance-based group walked/ran for self-reported distance. A mixed-factor repeated-measures ANOVA was used to compare all dependent variables both within-subjects and between-subjects. Weekly adherence rates to the exercise program did not exhibit a significant difference (p > 0.05). Significant interactions were shown for mean body mass loss between groups as well as mean blood glucose level (p < 0.05). Distance-based group exhibited a decline in body mass and blood glucose while the time-based group exhibited an increase in both variables. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the present study is the first to directly compare a distance-based vs. a time-based exercise program for walking and running for improvement of risk factors of cardiovascular disease. The results of this study would suggest that a distance-based exercise prescription of walking or running should provide a clinician or researcher with a closer estimation of overall accumulated exercise and resultant weight loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the literature pertaining to supporting rehabilitation for elderly people, methods such as robot suits and belts has been proposed, however the method to be used casually by individuals is not provided sufficiently. In this research, we propose a rehabilitation robot that allows elderly people to perform rehabilitation individually. Specifically, the robot provides adaptive motion according to the stride of a person, based on the estimation of stride length by a statistical method. We develop a prototype of a rehabilitation robot that assists the movement of people, based on the estimation of the stride. To evaluate performance, we evaluate the ratio of recall and relevance rate of the proposed rehabilitation robot, with the proposed method that based on the estimation of stride length. The result shows that the effectiveness of estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Facta Universitatis: Series Physical Education & Sport is the property of Facta Universitatis, Series Physical Education & Sport and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: It has been shown that variability of walking is related to fall risk similarly as postural control and muscle strength. Joint potential of this group of variables for fall risk assessment is promising, however research interested in relations between them is lacking. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between knee extensors' strength, centre of pressure (COP) velocity during one-leg stance and variability of COP displacement during various phases of gait cycle in middle-age women. Methods: A single group of 40 healthy women (age 56 ± 4.2 years) took part in the study. For assessment of knee extensors' strength (peak torque and average work during concentric and eccentric contractions) an isokinetic dynamometer was used. Mean velocity of COP during one-leg stance in anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) directions was assessed on a force plate on a rigid surface with eyes open (two 30 s trials). Variability of COP displacement was assessed for loading response, midstance, terminal stance and preswing gait cycle phases (determined by vertical ground reaction force) in AP and ML directions. It was measured by two force plates positioned in the middle of an 8 m walkway (5 trials at a self-selected speed). For statistical analysis of relationships between variables Pearson correlation was applied. Results: Our results showed significant correlations between eccentric peak torque and COP velocity in AP direction during one-leg stance, eccentric and concentric peak torque and COP variability during loading response in both ML and AP directions and during terminal stance in AP direction. Conclusion: Loading response and terminal stance seems to be more related to knee extensors' strength. Variables derived from postural stability assessment during one-leg stance are independent from variables derived from assessment of COP displacement variability during walking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research indicates that people are drawn to green spaces with attractive amenities. This study extends that finding by comparing walking patterns in two neighborhoods with different numbers of parks; parks did not differ in rated attractiveness nor did neighborhoods differ substantially in rated walkability. Adults, aged 32–86 years ( n = 90), drew their 3 most recent walking routes on maps of their neighborhood. Analyses showed that participants’ round trips were longer by 265.5 m (0.16 mile) in the neighborhood with a single, large, centrally located park ( p < 0.02). However, participants in the neighborhood with multiple, small, more distributed parks, visited more streets, p < 0.001, more streets with green spaces, p < 0.038, and used more varied routes, p < 0.012. Results suggest there are potential benefits to both layouts. Large centralized parks may invite longer walks; smaller, well-distributed parks may invite more varied routes suggestive of appropriation and motivation processes. Both layouts might be combined in a single neighborhood to attract more walkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Regular physical activity (PA) is recommended for persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Interventions that promote PA and sustain long-term adherence to PA are needed.Objective: We examined the effects of an Internet-mediated, pedometer-based walking intervention, called Taking Healthy Steps, at 12 months.Methods: Veterans with COPD (N=239) were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to the intervention or wait-list control. During the first 4 months, participants in the intervention group were instructed to wear the pedometer every day, upload daily step counts at least once a week, and were provided access to a website with four key components: individualized goal setting, iterative feedback, educational and motivational content, and an online community forum. The subsequent 8-month maintenance phase was the same except that participants no longer received new educational content. Participants randomized to the wait-list control group were instructed to wear the pedometer, but they did not receive step-count goals or instructions to increase PA. The primary outcome was health-related quality of life (HRQL) assessed by the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire Total Score (SGRQ-TS); the secondary outcome was daily step count. Linear mixed-effect models assessed the effect of intervention over time. One participant was excluded from the analysis because he was an outlier. Within the intervention group, we assessed pedometer adherence and website engagement by examining percent of days with valid step-count data, number of log-ins to the website each month, use of the online community forum, and responses to a structured survey.Results: Participants were 93.7% male (223/238) with a mean age of 67 (SD 9) years. At 12 months, there were no significant between-group differences in SGRQ-TS or daily step count. Between-group difference in daily step count was maximal and statistically significant at month 4 (P<.001), but approached zero in months 8-12. Within the intervention group, mean 76.7% (SD 29.5) of 366 days had valid step-count data, which decreased over the months of study (P<.001). Mean number of log-ins to the website each month also significantly decreased over the months of study (P<.001). The online community forum was used at least once during the study by 83.8% (129/154) of participants. Responses to questions assessing participants' goal commitment and intervention engagement were not significantly different at 12 months compared to 4 months.Conclusions: An Internet-mediated, pedometer-based PA intervention, although efficacious at 4 months, does not maintain improvements in HRQL and daily step counts at 12 months. Waning pedometer adherence and website engagement by the intervention group were observed. Future efforts should focus on improving features of PA interventions to promote long-term behavior change and sustain engagement in PA.Clinicaltrial: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01102777; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01102777 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6iyNP9KUC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Day-to-day walking variability appears not to be random and may fluctuate by day of week or type of day (workdays/non-workdays). The day-of-the-week variability is less clear in period of life transition between the ages of 50-70 years. Moreover, it is unclear whether the variability is related to age or BMI. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the weekdays-weekends patterns and the day-to-day variability in step patterns in men and women of different age and BMI groups. Methods: During the years 2009-2012, 1,170 individuals (532 men and 638 women) aged 50-70 years participated in a seven-day monitoring using a Yamax Digiwalker SW-700 pedometer. Results: Using ANOVA of repeated measures, it was found that steps/day varied across the day of the week in both men and women in younger age groups (≤ 64 years) (p ≤ .04), whereas in older age group (65-70 years), no significant systematic variability by day of the week was found. Existence of variability by day of the week with significant drop in steps/day on weekend days, especially on Sunday, was confirmed in normal weight, overweight and obese Czech men and women. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study contributes to the evidence with the findings about the existing the day-of-the-week variability of step counts per day in the population aged 50 to 64 years and about the absence of significant variability in seniors (≥ 65 years). Sunday was the least active day in different age and BMI groups aged 50 to 70 years of Czech population. Researchers and practitioners should take the results of this study into consideration when preparing for data collection of habitual physical activity in senior population and in the development of walking interventions and weight reduction programmes designed for this age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Walking impairment is one of the most visible and important manifestations of multiple sclerosis. MS Studies have consistently found that walking impairment occurs early during MS, and recent studies suggest that the greatest impact on socioeconomic outcomes occurs during the early stages of disability. Walking impairment is often perceived by the affected individual prior to its clinical manifestation, supporting the need for patient education and walking assessments that may be self-administered. Patient perceptions should lead to pre-emptive management strategies to maintain independence and delay the need for walking assistive devices or caregiving. Patient management should also include regular quantitative and qualitative assessments of walking by physicians or other clinicians, such as nurse practitioners, physician assistants, or physical therapists.Methods: PubMed searches retrieved recent studies (November 2008 to August 2013) evaluating the contribution of walking impairment to the burden of MS.Results: Several objective measures of walking are available, such as measures of walking speed (Timed 25-Foot Walk Test) and distance (2- or 6-Minute Walk); however, these measures may have practical considerations such as time and space. Patient-reported measures, which should have a low administration burden, include walking-specific (Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale) and health-related quality-of-life outcome assessments.Conclusions: When used in tandem, patient-reported and objective measures can help monitor changes and facilitate patient-clinician discussions of problems, management strategies, and long-term goals related to walking impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Pulmonology / Jornal Brasileiro de Pneumologia is the property of Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisiologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program (MBSR) of Kabat-Zinn includes a combination of sitting meditation, yoga, and walking; thus, movement is not emphasized primarily to induce a state of awareness. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a Mindfulness-Based Movement Program (MBM) in women on parameters of stress and coping; that is, in contrast to MBSR, MBM primarily emphasized yoga to cultivate awareness. This study investigated: (a) an objective measure of stress (the cortisol response to a laboratory stressor) following an 8-week MBM in year 1 participants only (n = 17; MBM group = 9; Control group = 8); (b) subjective measures of stress following an 8-week MBM in years 1 and 2 (n = 32; MBM = 16; C = 16); and (c) changes in coping style following an 8- week MBM in years 1 and 2 (n = 32; MBM = 16; C = 16). A mixed plot 2 (Group: TC or MBM) by 5 (Trial: Baseline, Stressor, Recovery 1, Recovery 2, and Recovery 3) repeated measures ANOVA was run for cortisol. Preliminary results indicated a strong trend towards a lowered cortisol response for the MBM group compared to the control group. A mixed plot 2 (Group: TC or MBM) by 2 (Time: Pretest, Post-test) repeated measures ANOVA was run for Spielberg's State Anxiety, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Problem Focused Style of Coping Scale for the Suppressive, Reflective, and the Reactive Coping Style. There were significant main effects for time, group, and an interaction of time and group for Spielberg's State Anxiety and the Perceived Stress Scale. Significant differences were also found for time and the interaction of time and group for the Problem Focused Style of Coping for the Reflective Coping Style (p < 0.05). In conclusion, results indicate positive effects of the MBM program on perceived measures of stress and coping style in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cukurova Medical Journal / Çukurova Üniversitesi Tip Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Cukurova University, Faculty of Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Mass and number concentration of particulate matter (PM 10 ) was measured during walking experiments inside a laboratory. In total 20 walking experiments were conducted in a period of 3 months. Particle number concentration was measured in the size range of 0.02–1 μm, while, mass concentration was measured in the range 0.1–10 μm. The PM 10 mass increased during the activity, by average 84%, whereas, the walking activity had no impact on particle number concentration. Human induced resuspension rates were examined under different dust loadings. The different dust loadings used (25, 15, 5, 1 g/m 2 ) in order to evaluate the impact of surface loading on the indoor PM 10 mass concentration and on the resuspension rate. Walking style was the same in all experiments. Moreover, the experiments involved two different walking patterns inside the laboratory (rectangular and line). The impact of different speed was also examined. The average resuspension rate was calculated to be equal to 10 −2 –10 −3 hr −1 . No impact on resuspension rate was observed for different walking patterns or walking speed. On the other hand, the measured mass concentration inside the room was increased when using higher dust loading on the floor, although the estimated resuspension rate found independent on the initially deposited surface dust loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the importance of bicycling and walking along with the impact of technology and autonomous vehicles on communities and mentions impact of mobile apps and the sharing economy on transportation.

The prevalence of overweight and obese in the U.S. has been thoroughly documented. With the advent of inactivity physiology research and the subsequent interest in sedentary behavior, the work environment has come under closer scrutiny as a potential opportunity to reverse inactivity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the sitting and physical activity (PA) habits among different classifications of university employees. University employees (n=625) completed an online survey based on the Occupational Sitting and Physical Activity Questionnaire (OSPAQ). Participants were instructed to describe time spent sitting, standing, walking, and in heavy physical labor during the last seven days, along with the number of breaks from sitting taken per hour. To establish habitual patterns of PA outside of work, employees recalled their participation in structured PA in the past seven days. Prior to data analysis, employees were categorized as Administration, Faculty, Staff, or Facilities Management. Statistically significant differences were found among employee classifications for min sit/d, p<.001; min stand/d, p<.001; min walk/d, p<.001; and min heavy labor/d, p<.001. No significant differences were found for breaks/h from sitting, p=.259 or participation in structured PA, p=. 33. With the exception of facilities management workers, university employees spent 75% of their workday seated. In conjunction with low levels of leisure time PA, university employees appear to be prime candidates for workplace interventions to reduce physical inactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background It is widely believed that contact with the natural environment can improve physical and mental health. Urban green spaces may provide city residents with these benefits; however, there is a lack of empirical field research on the health benefits of urban parks. Methods This field experiment was performed in May. Seventeen males aged 21.2 ± 1.7 years (mean ± standard deviation) were instructed to walk predetermined 15-minute courses in an urban park and a nearby city area (control). Heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV) were measured to assess physiological responses. The semantic differential (SD) method, Profile of Mood States (POMS), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used to measure psychological responses. Results Heart rate was significantly lower while walking in the urban park than while walking in the city street. Furthermore, the urban park walk led to higher parasympathetic nervous activity and lower sympathetic nervous activity compared with the walk through the city street. Subjective evaluations were generally in accordance with physiological reactions, and significantly higher scores were observed for the 'comfortable', 'natural', and 'relaxed' parameters following the urban park walk. After the urban park walk, the score for the 'vigor' subscale of the POMS was significantly higher, whereas that for negative feelings such as 'tension-anxiety' and 'fatigue' was significantly lower. The score for the anxiety dimension of the STAI was also significantly lower after the urban park walk. Conclusions Physiological and psychological results from this field experiment provide evidence for the physiological and psychological benefits of urban green spaces. A brief spring-time walk in an urban park shifted sympathetic/parasympathetic balance and improved mood state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Physiotherapy / Fizjoterapia is the property of Physiotherapy and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of lower body positive pressure (LBPP) on cardiovascular responses during a 15-min walking trial in young (22.1±0.4 years) and elderly women (67.8±1.1 years). The application of 20 mm Hg LBPP reduced ground reaction forces by 31.2±0.5 kgw in both groups. We hypothesized that cardiovascular responses to LBPP during walking were different between the young and elderly subjects. Applying 20 mm Hg of LBPP increased diastolic and mean blood pressure but not systolic blood pressure in both groups. LBPPinduced reduction in heart rate (HR) occurred more quickly in the young group compared to the elderly group (p<0.05). Applying LBPP also decreased double product (systolic blood pressure x HR) in both groups, suggesting that LBPP reduces myocardial oxygen consumption during exercise. These results suggest that heart rate responses to LBPP during exercise vary with increasing age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to compare the acute cardiopulmonary responses of men to walking and running the same distance at different speeds on a treadmill. Sixteen trained young men participated. All the volunteers underwent one maximal and two submaximal cardiopulmonary exercise tests. The submaximal tests covered a distance of two miles each, one walking at 3.0 miles·h-1 for 40 min and the other 6.0 miles·h-1 running for 20 min. The following variables were higher while running: oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide output, heart rate, oxygen pulse, pulmonary ventilation, and energy expenditure. No significant differences were found between running and walking for ventilatory equivalents for oxygen or carbon dioxide. The percentage of oxygen uptake reserve was 58.9 ± 5.2% for running and 18.5 ± 2.1% for walking. The findings indicate that running 2 miles is more efficient than walking for improving cardiorespiratory fitness in trained young men because running is associated with greater cardiopulmonary responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose was to determine the accuracy of the GT3X+ and Actiheart monitors for estimating energy expenditure (EE) and steps. Additionally, to investigate agreement between waist- and wrist-mounted GT3X+ EE outputs. Nineteen participants (mean age=30) completed three treadmill walking trials at self-selected slow, medium, and fast speeds while wearing two GT3X+ (waist and wrist) and an Actiheart. Activity monitor EE was compared to indirect calorimetry criterion EE using Pearson correlations and ANOVAs. A Bland-Altman plot was used to investigate agreement between GT3X+ waist- and wrist-determined EE. GT3X+ determined steps were compared to researcher-counted steps using ANOVAs. EE estimates from all monitors correlated highly with the criterion (r ranged from .72 to .82). However, the GT3X+ (waist and wrist) underestimated EE during slow walking and overestimated EE during fast walking. There were no differences among GT3X+ (waist and wrist) estimates of EE and the criterion during the medium trial. Actiheart estimated EE was not significantly different from measured EE during all trials. The Bland-Altman plot indicated that at EE rates above 4 kcal·min-1, the GT3X+ worn on the wrist underestimated EE compared to when it was worn on the waist. There were no differences between GT3X+ waist-determined steps and researcher-counted steps for all trials. GT3X+ EE correlates highly with measured EE, but has poor absolute agreement during slow and fast walking. GT3X+ step estimates are accurate across the continuum of walking speeds when waist (but not wrist) mounted. Wrist-mounted device outputs are not comparable to waist-mounted outputs. The Actiheart accurately estimates EE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Question: Does the distance covered during a 6-minute walk test predict risk of death or hospitalisation for cardiovascular reasons in men with stable heart failure over three years of follow-up? Design: Prospective observational study. Participants: 243 men with stable systolic heart failure, with a mean age of 60 yr (SD 11) and left ventricular ejection fraction of 29% (SD 8). According to the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, 15% of the participants were in Class I, 44% in Class II, 37% in Class III, and 4% in class IV. Outcome measures: The exercise capacity of participants was measured using the 6-minute walk test. The participants were followed up for at least three years in the case of survivors. The primary end-points of the survival analyses included cardiovascular death or urgent cardiovascular hospitalisation. Results: During the 3-year follow-up, 44% of the participants died, and 69% died or required hospitalisation for cardiovascular reasons. A multivariate analysis showed that the shorter the distance covered in the 6-minute walk test, the greater the 1-year and 3-year mortality risk. Participants with a 6-minute walk test ≤ 468 m had a mortality hazard ratio of 3.22 (95% CI 1.17 to 8.86) at one year and 2.18 (95% CI 1.18 to 4.03) at three years. Multivariate analysis also showed that higher risk mortality or hospitalisation for cardiovascular reasons was predicted by a 6-minute walk distance ≤ 468m, with a hazard ratio of 2.77 (95% CI 1.30 to 5.88) at one year and 1.71 (95% CI 1.08 to 2.72) at three years. Conclusion: The 6-minute walk test distance constitutes an independent predictor of mortality and mortality or hospitalisation for cardiovascular reasons in men with stable systolic heart failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Questions: Do patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) achieve a different distance on the sixminute walk test (6MWT) conducted on a 10m course versus on a 30m course? When assessing the distance on a 6MWT conducted on a 10m course, is it valid to use existing reference equations that were generated on longer courses? Design: A randomised double-crossover experimental study. Participants: Forty-five patients with COPD in primary physiotherapy care. Intervention: All patients performed a 6MWT twice over a 10m course and twice over a 30m course. The 6MWTs were performed in accordance with the American Thoracic Society guidelines. Outcome measures: 6MWD was assessed and predicted distance was calculated based on a range of reference equations. Results: The 6MWD on the 10m course was 49.5m shorter than on the 30m course, which was statistically significant (95% CI 39.4 to 59.6). By using existing reference equations for a 6MWT conducted on the 10m course, the predicted distance is highly overestimated (with a range of 30% to 33%) and the average distance as a percentage of the predicted value is 8%pred lower compared to a 6MWT conducted on the 30m course, resulting in a worse representation of a COPD patient's functional exercise capacity. Conclusion: This study shows that the impact of course length on the 6MWD and on the use of reference equations in patients with COPD is substantial and clinically relevant (based on the most conservative published minimum clinically important difference). Therefore, existing reference equations established for a 6MWT conducted over a 30m (or longer) course cannot be applied to predict the distance achieved on the 6MWT on a 10m course, which is frequently used in primary care physiotherapy practices for patients with COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To compare the effect of an acute 30-min bout of self-paced stationary cycling (SC) with treadmill walking (TW) or a resting control (CON) on maternal blood glucose, insulin and metabolic responses during pregnancy. Methods: Twelve healthy women at 29.9±2.4 (mean±SD) weeks gestation consumed a 75g carbohydrate drink as part of an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) following 30min of SC, TW or CON. Blood was sampled before and after exercise, and for 2h in response to the OGTT for the determination of glucose and insulin. Exercise intensity was monitored and enjoyment of TW and SC was assessed post-exercise. Results: Women selectively worked harder in SC compared with TW, with a higher maternal heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, mean oxygen consumption, respiratory exchange ratio, and total energy expenditure during exercise (p<0.05). SC was also associated with significantly lower postprandial blood glucose levels at 120min following the OGTT (6.9±0.9mmol∙l−1) compared with both CON (8.1±0.7mmol∙l−1, p=0.001) and TW (7.8±0.9mmol∙l−1, p=0.004) and lower insulin at 120min post-glucose ingestion compared with TW (p=0.021). Enjoyment was similar between exercise protocols (p=0.437). Conclusions: In late pregnancy, an acute 30min bout of self-paced SC may be preferable to a matched duration of TW given the additional energy expenditure that can be achieved, which in turn appears beneficial for blunting the glycemic response to glucose ingestion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Adults engage in exercise programs not only to improve health, but also to lose or maintain body fat mass. There is the tendency for subjects to exercise at a self-selected a pace rather than a prescribed intensity. The purpose of this study was to determine if sedentary women could self-select a walking intensity that corresponds to Fatmax. This study consisted of 22 adult women with an average age of 42.91 ± 44 y rs. Each subject performed a maximal incremental test to exhaustion and a session of exercise at their self-selected walking pace. Data from the maximal test were used to determine Fatmax and Fatzone. The t test was used to determine differences between the subjects' self-selected walking pace and the predicted walking speed at Fatmax. Fatmax occurred at 51.3 ± 7.2% of VO2 max and Fatzone between 46% and 56% of VO2 max. The intensity of the self-selected walking pace was 5.06 ± 0.65 km·h-1, which corresponded to 51.3% VO2 max and to 66.8% HR max. These findings indicate that sedentary women can self-select a walking intensity that corresponds to an exercise intensity that elicits maximal fat oxidation (Fatmax). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To develop a method of event-based analysis that quantifies the fragmented nature of walking bouts in individuals with intermittent claudication [IC] and compare outcomes with age and gender-matched healthy controls. Design: Cross-sectional. Materials: The activPAL™ physical activity monitor. Methods: 7-day physical activity patterns were compared between individuals with IC (n = 30) and controls matched for age and gender (n = 30). The ratio of the number of walking events to upright events was calculated to provide an event-based claudication index (EBCI) that represented the fragmented nature of walking bouts commonly reported in those with IC. Results: Individuals with IC had a greater EBCI than age matched controls indicating a more fragmented walking pattern (5.8 ± 2.0 vs. 7.7 ± 3.1, p < 0.01). The difference between groups was more pronounced when the EBCI was calculated from upright events that included >400 steps (23.4 ± 11.3 vs. 35.8 ± 14.2, p < 0.01). Conclusion: The classic fragmented stop/start walking pattern universally described by individuals with IC can be quantified using the EBCI. This method of measurement potentially provides a novel method of assessing the effectiveness of clinical interventions for this patient group. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article focuses on the influence of drug and device therapies to the peak oxygen consumption in the 6-minute walk distance test for the mortality of heart failure and reduced ejection fraction patients. The authors evaluated at least 500 patients over six months and discovered that there was no correlation between average therapy-induced placebo-corrected change in V02, but there was average change in 6MW due to increased drug or device therapy.

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of backward walking on hamstring flexibility and low back range of motion. Ten healthy female volunteers (29.9±10.0 yr; 165.1±8.2 cm; 68.53±18.4 kg) completed pre-post laboratory testing surrounding a 4-week intervention of backward walking. During the pretest, each participant walked forward on a treadmill at a preferred velocity for 3-5 min. A biaxial electrogoniometer was secured externally to the low back and a sit-and-reach test was performed. Each participant then walked backward at their preferred pace on a treadmill for 10 min, during which time low back motion data were obtained (1000 Hz). Following the pretest, participants completed an intervention of walking backward at a self-selected velocity for 10-15 min/day, 4 days/week. This was followed by a posttest, using the exact protocol as the pretest. Dependent variables consisted of pre-post measures of: 1) backward walking velocity (VEL), 2) flexibility of the hamstrings (HF), low back sagittal plane range of motion (sROM), and low back coronal plane range of motion (cROM). Correlated t-tests (α = 0.05) with Bonferroni correction identified significant (p < 0.001) differences in VEL and HF. Low back motion parameters (sROM, cROM) were not significantly different (p > 0.0125) following the intervention. Results of the study suggest that a 4-week intervention of backward walking appears to provide an appropriate stimulus for an increase in flexibility of the hamstrings. A possible interaction between VEL and sROM or cROM limited the interpretation of observed non-significant changes in low back motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examined the accuracy of assessing step counts and energy costs under walking conditions changed by step frequency changes at giving speeds using uni- (LC) and tri-axial accelerometers (AM, ASP). The degree of the percentage error of metabolic equivalents (METS) was found to be affected by step frequency both in the AM and ASP. The study concluded that accelerometers can cause errors in step-count functions at a low walking speed.

Winkle JM, Evans BW, Dilg P, Galparoli S. Comparing a Portable and Standard Metabolic Measuring System during Rest and Exercise. JEPonline 2011;14(2):80-87. The usefulness of a portable metabolic measuring system is dependent upon its ability to produce valid and reliable results when compared to standard laboratory equipment such as non-portable metabolic measuring systems. Results from studies comparing the VO2000 with non-portable systems have been inconsistent. The purpose of this study was to compare the metabolic and ventilatory values during exercise using a portable metabolic measuring system (VO2000) with a facemask (FM) and mouthpiece/ nose clip (MP) and a standard laboratory metabolic measuring system, CPX-Ultima (CPX/U). Eighteen volunteers (age = 25.7 ± 7.2 yrs) completed three 20 min exercise sessions (10 min walking/10 min jogging) using the CPX/U, FM, and MP. A counter-balanced design determined treatment order. Metabolic and ventilatory values were recorded at 20 sec intervals and averaged over the last 5 min of walking and jogging. A one-way ANOVA with repeated measures compared the mean values for each variable for the three conditions during walking and jogging. No significant difference (p > 0.05) in HR or VO 2 was found due to treatment order. The VO2000 produced similar metabolic and ventilatory values whether using the FM or MP (p > 0.05). However, significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) were found for VE , VO2 , VCO2 , and RER among the CPX/U, FM and MP during walking and jogging. The VO2000 overestimated VO2 compared to the CPX/U by 2.4 mL ⋅ kg ⋅ min-1 during walking and 6.9 mL ⋅ kg-1 ⋅ min-1 during jogging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The first-line intervention for intermittent claudication is usually supervised exercise therapy (SET). The literature describes a range of exercise programs varying in setting, duration, and content. The purpose of the present study was to examine the exercise protocols offered and to identify the impact of the intensity of the SET programs (in terms of frequency, duration, and type of exercise) on improvements in walking distance (response) in the first 3 months. The present study is part of the Exercise Therapy in Peripheral Arterial Disease (EXITPAD) study, a multicenter randomized clinical trial comparing the effects of SET provided by regional physiotherapists, with or without daily feedback, on the level of activities with the effects of walking advice. Methods The analysis included patients randomized to receive SET with or without feedback. The physical therapists administering the SET were asked to fill out therapy evaluation sheets stating frequency, duration, and type of exercises. The relationship between training volume and the impact on walking distance was explored by dividing training volume data into tertiles and relating them to the median change in maximum walking distance at 3 and 12 months. Results Data of 169 patients were included in the analysis. A SET program consisting of at least two training sessions per week each lasting over 30 minutes, during the first 3 months of a 1-year program tailored to individual patients' needs led to better results in terms of walking distance after 3 and 12 months than the other variants. The results of our analysis dividing training volume into tertiles suggest that there is a relationship between training volume and improvement in walking distance and that at least 590 minutes of training should be offered in the first 3 months. No differences were found between program involving only walking and a combination of exercises, nor between individual and group training. Conclusion A SET programs consisting of at least two training sessions a week, each lasting over 30 minutes, should be offered during the first 3 months of the SET program to optimize improvement in terms of maximum walking distance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To determine the repeatability of the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) in adolescents and adults with cystic fibrosis (CF). METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study. We included consecutive patients ages ≥ 15 years attending an adult CF program. The patients underwent the 6MWT, pulmonary function tests, and clinical evaluation. The second 6MWT was performed following a rest period of 60 min. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients were included. The mean ± SD age was 23.5 ± 6.7 y, and the mean FEV1 was 61 ± 28% of predicted. The mean ± SD walked distance in the first 6MWT was 583.6 ± 68.6m and in the second 6MWT was 590.0 ± 72.2 m. The mean difference between the first and second 6MWT was -6.5 m, with limits of agreement between -74.9 m and 61.9 m, and the coefficient of variation was 4.3%. The mean oxygen desaturation in the first 6MWT was 2.5 ± 4.5%, and in the second test it was 1.8 ± 4.0%. The mean difference between the first and second test was 0.6%, and the coefficient of variation was 104%. CONCLUSIONS: Although the 6MWT distance was reproducible, the wide limits of agreement exceeded the minimum important difference for this test. These findings indicate that, in the routine evaluation of CF patients, at least two 6MWTs are required on any testing occasion to obtain a reliable estimate of the 6MWT distance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite its common application and widely reported health benefits, walking, in relation to pace and intensity, is under-researched. Few studies have addressed whether people normally walk at a pace that meets the public health recommendations for moderate intensity physical activity (1.34-1.79 ms-1) and there is no known research on individuals' perceptions of factors which influence walking pace. This study aimed to objectively assess if participants were reaching the pace required for moderate intensity physical activity during normal walking. This was examined via a Global Positioning System (GPS) over a 1 km outdoor walk and a timed 150 m trial. In both tests participants (n=10, 3 men, 7 women, mean age 54±8 y) were instructed to walk at their normal pace. Through short interviews, the study also investigated the factors that participants' thought influenced their pace. All participants successfully walked at a pace considered as moderate intensity (=1.34 ms-1). Height was significantly correlated with normal walking pace. The interviews provided an in depth insight into factors that affect walking pace; ground surface and footwear were mentioned frequently and the influence of the weather provided conflicting views, prompting a need for further research in the area. The GPS device showed enormous potential as a human locomotion measurement tool, enabling participants to walk unobstructed and unobserved in an outdoor setting, making the results relevant to real life situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Questions: Does an eight-week program of walk training improve endurance walking capacity in people with COPD compared to cycle training? Does walk training improve peak walking capacity, cycle capacity, and quality of life compared to cycle training? Is the endurance shuttle walk test (ESWT) responsive to change in walking capacity elicited by exercise training? Design: Randomised trial with concealed allocation, assessor blinding, and intention-to-treat analysis. Participants: 36 people with stable COPD recruited with four dropouts. Intervention: Participants were randomised into either a walk or cycle training group. Both groups trained indoors for 30 to 45 minutes per session, three times weekly over eight weeks at Concord Hospital. Training intensities were based on baseline peak exercise tests and progressed as able. Outcome measures: The primary outcome was endurance walking capacity measured by the ESWT. Secondary outcomes included peak walking capacity, peak and endurance cycle capacity, and health-related quality of life. Measures were taken at baseline (Week 0) and following training (Week 8). Results: The walk training group increased their endurance walking time by 279 seconds (95% CI 70 to 483) more than the cycle training group. No significant differences between the groups were found for any other outcome. Conclusion: Ground walk training increased endurance walking capacity more than cycle training and was similar to cycle training in improving peak walking capacity, peak and endurance cycle capacity and quality of life. This study provides evidence for ground walking as a mode of exercise training in pulmonary rehabilitation programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Question: Does resistance training, either alone or as an adjunct to aerobic training, improve cardiac function, exercise capacity and quality of life in people with chronic heart failure? Design: Systematic review with meta-analysis of randomised trials. Participants: Adults with stable chronic heart failure. Intervention: Progressive resistance exercise training, alone or as an adjunct to aerobic training. Outcome measures: Cardiac function, exercise capacity and quality of life. Results: 241 participants from eight trials performed 2 to 6 months of moderate-intensity resistance training (50-75% of 1RM). Most programs consisted of 5 to 6 exercises for large limb and trunk muscles with two sets of 8 to 12 repetitions, three times a week. Resistance training significantly increased 6-minute walk distance (WMD 52 m, 95% CI 19 to 85) but not peak oxygen consumption (WMD 1.4 ml/kg/min, 95% CI -0.3 to 3.1). When used as an adjunct to aerobic training, resistance training did not significantly alter left ventricular ejection fraction (WMD -0.5%, 95% CI -4.3 to 3.3), peak oxygen consumption (WMD -0.7 ml/kg/min, 95% CI -2.3 to 1.0), or Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire scores (WMD -0.9, 95% CI -5.4 to 3.7), compared with aerobic training alone. Conclusion: Resistance training increased 6-minute walk distance compared to no training, but had no other benefits on cardiac function, exercise capacity, or quality of life if used alone or as an adjunct to aerobic training in people with chronic heart failure. However, further high quality, large scale, randomised trials are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article looks at a study on the effects of low-intensity walking training combined with the restriction of blood flow to the leg muscles on older adults. Results indicate that improvements to muscle strength, muscle size, and functional ability can be expected from the walking training. No significant changes to aerobic capacity were recorded.

The article looks at a study on the effects of sensory-motor exercise programs for older patients with osteoarthritis or hip prostheses contributing to walking dysfunctions. Balance exercises completed by test subjects are reviewed. Results suggest that these exercises help improve the reaction of patients to sudden hip displacements.

Introduction: cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is widely used in treatment of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). Aim: evaluation of exercise tolerance and quality of life and their correlation in patients treated with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Materials and methods: 23 patients (16 men, mean age 63.0 ± 9.0 years) with CHF were included in the study. Cardiopulmonary exercise test, 6-minute corridor test were performed before CRT and after 6 months. All patients were examined by means of NHP QoL questionnaire. Results: statistically significant correlations between peak oxygen uptake (V02) and sleep disorders (r = 0.62, p < 0.01) and physical exercise limitations before CRT (r = -0.54, p < 0.05) were observed. After CRT peak VO2 correlated negatively with pain (r = -0.82, p < 0.02) and social alienation (r = -0.90, p < 0.005). 6-minute walking test distance correlated significantly with energy level (r = -0.50, p < 0.05) before CRT and with pain after CRT (r = -0.87, p < 0.05). Conclusions: 1. CRT in CHF patients improves effort tolerance and some QoL aspects. 2. Patients with better physical exercise tolerance assessed some aspects of their QoL as better before CRT (energy level, physical limitations), and better after CRT (pain, social alienation). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Passengers usually walk a long distance before arriving at the seating areas of the departure lounge in airport terminals. The current standards for airport terminals have not considered passengers' thermal comfort during the walking status and the variations in thermal comfort with the dwell time during the sedentary period after walking. Therefore, 14 male subjects dressed in 0.57 clo were recruited to simulate passengers in the summer in the climate chamber. The subjects walked for 5 min, 10 min, and 15 min, respectively, at a pace of 1.1–1.2 m/s with a 5 kg bag at 26 °C. Subsequently, they entered the sedentary phase under three conditions with different operative temperatures (T op) (23 °C, 26 °C, and 29 °C). Each subject participated in nine experiments. Variations in subjective perceptions and physiological parameters were recorded throughout the study. The summer design parameters for Chinese airport terminals (25–26 °C, 50% RH) did not satisfy the passengers' thermal comfort when the walking time exceeded 10 min. Exponential relationships between neutral T op (T n) and time were acquired for the sedentary phase. After walking for 5 min, 10 min, and 15 min, the T n values were 24.0 °C, 21.0 °C, and 18.9 °C, respectively. T n required 17.6–21.0 min to recover to the steady-state sedentary level. Thus, the comfort zones under the current standards may not meet the thermal comfort demands of passengers with short dwell times. • Three walking times and three T op in sedentary status were involved in this study. • The subjective and physiological effects of walking time and T op were analysed. • The exponential relationship between neutral T op and sedentary time was obtained. • The summer comfort zone in standards may not meet the passengers' thermal comfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]