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This study was performed to assess the validity of the MyWellness Key (MWK) accelerometer during a treadmill-based protocol. The identification of different exercise intensities is imperative to objectively measure time spent at a specified exercise intensity. Thirty subjects, 15 men and 15 women (age = 24.5 ± 2.6 years; body mass index = 22.5 ± 2.5 kg·m-1), participated in a 4-phase treadmill protocol (5 minutes each one) using three different walking velocities (3, 4.5, and 6 km·h-1) and run (8 km·h-1) while outfitted with a MWK uniaxial accelerometer. Oxygen consumption was measured by indirect calorimetry (ICVO2). Results: The relationship between VO2 predicted from MWK (MWKVO2) and oxygen consumption (VO2 (ICVO2)), yielded a high and significant correlation (r = 0.944; p < 0.001) with standard error of estimate (SEE) = 2.42 mL·kg-1·min-1. The average differences between the two methods (MWKVO2 -ICVO2) were -0.79 (-8.8% at 3 km·h-1), -0.02 (-0.2% at 4.5 km·h-1), 0.51 (3.3% at 6 km·h-1) and -0.74 (-2.7% at 8 km·h-1) ml·kg-1·min-1. Only the 3 km·h-1 speed showed a difference when compared to the criterion measure (p < 0.001). Bland and Altman analysis revealed less than a 1 MET difference in the mean at each point estimate and relatively tight distribution with the standard errors, especially with the 2 moderate walking speeds. Conclusions: We found a high correlation between oxygen utilization and the MWK with low standard errors estimates. This indicates that this accelerometer can be used to identify exercise intensities that are related to walking and running. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Race walking is a long-distance athletic event. Although it is a foot race, it is different from running in that one foot must appear to be in contact with the ground at all times. Stride length is reduced, so to achieve competitive speeds, race walkers must attain cadence rates. The aim of this study was to determine the Effect of mental toughness program on 20km race walking. Methods. 20 young athletics players .Subjects were randomly divided into two groups, experimental group (EG; n = 10) and control group (CG; n = 10). Mean age of all the participants ranged from 18 to 20 year. Subjects in experimental group participated in listening training program for 8 weeks, 3 days per week. To develop their psychological skills (concentrate - self-adjustment), record level of 20km race walking, walking length and walking cadence. Results. mental toughness program that used to development the psychological skills among 20km race walking athletes had positive effects in improvement of all variables. Conclusions. Success in race walking is related more to the efficiency of technique and mental toughness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: By referring to many relevant data and essays, this paper aims at discussing and analyzing the importance of hip-push applied in walking race,based on the point of the view on sports biomechanics .With redard to the existing problems,the authors have made an objective analysis on the sports-biomechanics factors that can influence the race,hoping to provide a theoretical basis for the deep development and training of walking race. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Osteoporotic vertebral fractures in the elderly appear secondary to slow loss of axial bone mass, but also because of increased fall risk in this particular category of patients. Until now, extraskeletal prevention factors have not received special attention. Most prevention stategies of vertebral fractures have focused on increasing biomechanical resistance, especially by drug decrease of bone turnover, usually the first line therapy for these patients. These therapies are addressed to bone density loss more than for pain reduction or physical impairments. Considering muscle performance connected to bone quality, the fall risk and the outlook on this special category of patients, the particularities of functional rehabilitation adapted on elder patients will be evidenced. A complete program of re-education regarding intensity, frequency and duration of physical exercise for eldery patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures has not been established yet. Decreased muscle and functional performance, lack of coordination, and spinal cord damage (kyphosis, scoliosis), are almost physiological impairments in the eldery, but also the increase of postural balance, slow walking velocity have been identified as fall risk factors. Vertebral osteoporotic fractures may be prevented or treated using complex multidisciplinary programs, including patient re-education and individual traning programs, adapted to every patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to explain the model of specific exercises in race walking and to show training methods in race walking. The paper gives vivid illustrated explanation of 22 specific exercises and training methodics of race walking. In sum one can conclude that specific exercises in race walking can adequately influence correct coordination of arms, pelvis and by enhancing regular performance can directly impact the improvement of the technique of race walking which is specific and difficult and whose flaws can end up in disqualification from the competition. Also training methods should be rationally used in the instruction of race walking without any haste because the habit formation of movements and techniques is a slow one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pedestrians walk differently on different types of facilities. Walking speeds are governed not only by the width of the facility but also by age and gender, land uses, temporal variations, cell phone usage, carrying baggage while walking, and movement in groups. This paper discusses development of adjustment factors for effective design of pedestrian facilities on the basis of pedestrian walking speeds under such influences on three types of facilities, e.g., sidewalks, wide-sidewalks, and precincts. Eighteen locations are selected in five cities in India, and data are analyzed considering the influencing parameters. Pedestrians walk faster than the population mean walking speed on sidewalks at 71.22 m/min, whereas they walk at a speed of 63.60 m/min on precincts. Exercise and leisure walking speeds of pedestrians are 74.57 m/min and 62.44 m/min, respectively. Significant difference is observed in the walking speed of pedestrians when moving alone or in a group. Pedestrians carrying baggage walk slower at 64.26 m/min compared with the population mean walking speed. Similarly, pedestrians using cell phones walk slower at 62.82, 62.19, and 59.29 m/min on sidewalks, wide-sidewalks, and precincts, respectively. Land use also plays a major role in determining the walking speed of pedestrians. Pedestrian speed in an educational area (85.27 m/min) and in shopping areas (60.21 m/min) are 28% faster and 16% slower, respectively, than the population mean walking speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is often used to assess walking distance in multiple sclerosis (MS), but can be both time consuming for the investigator and exhausting for people with MS (pwMS). The present report compared the 6MWT scores of 40 ambulatory pwMS with their scores on the shorter 2-minute walk test (2MWT). The 2MWT estimated the 6MWT results with a mean relative error of 5% (R2 = 0.96; p < 0.01). As the last 4-minute period of the 6MWT seems redundant, the 2MWT may be considered as a practical replacement for the 6MWT in routine clinical assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study that employed heart-rate monitoring and pacing strategy to describe the regulatory and physiological processes in an elite race-walker. Results indicated that a more even distribution of effort throughout a five-kilometer race might produce better results than a fast-start strategy.

The purpose of this study was to determine if in a hot-dry environment, racewalking increases intestinal temperature (T(int)) above the levels observed when running either at the same velocity or at a similar rate of heat production. Nine trained racewalkers exercised for 60 min in a hot-dry environment (30.0 ± 1.4°C; 33 ± 8% relative humidity; 2.4 m s(-1) air speed) on three separate occasions: (1) racewalking at 10.9 ± 1.0 km h(-1) (Walk), (2) running at the same velocity (RunVel) and (3) running at 13 ± 1.8 km h(-1) to obtain a similar [Formula: see text] than during Walk (Run[Formula: see text]). As designed, energy expenditure rate was similar during Walk and Run[Formula: see text], but lower during RunVel (842 ± 78 and 827 ± 75 vs. 713 ± 55 W; p < 0.01). Final T(int) was lower during RunVel than during both Walk and Run[Formula: see text] (38.4 ± 0.3 vs. 39.2 ± 0.4 and 39.0 ± 0.4°C; p < 0.01). Heart rate and sweat rate were also lower during RunVel than during Walk and Run[Formula: see text] (i.e. heart rate 159 ± 13 vs. 179 ± 11 and 181 ± 11 beats min(-1) and sweat rate 0.8 ± 0.3 vs. 1.1 ± 0.3 and 1.1 ± 0.3 L h(-1); p < 0.01). However, we could not detect differences in skin temperature among trials. In conclusion, our data indicate that in a hot-dry environment racewalking increases the risk of hyperthermia in comparison with when running at a similar velocity. However, exercise mode (walking vs. running) had no measurable impact on T(INT) or heat dissipation when matched for energy expenditure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyse the important kinematic variables in elite men's and women's 20 km race walking. Thirty men and 30 women were analysed from video data recorded during the World Race Walking Cup. Video data were also recorded at four points during the European Cup Race Walking and 12 men and 12 women analysed from these data. Two camcorders operating at 50 Hz recorded at each race for 3D analysis. The two main performance determinants of speed were step length and cadence. Men were faster than women because of their greater step lengths but there was no difference in cadence. A reduction in step length was the initial cause of slowing down with later decreases in speed caused by reductions in cadence. Shorter contact times were important in optimising both step length and cadence, and faster athletes tended to have longer flight times than slower athletes. It was less clear which other kinematic variables were critical for successful walking, particularly with regard to joint angles. Different associations were found for some key variables in men and women, suggesting that their techniques may differ due to differences in height and mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.)

Improving infrastructure for walking and cycling is increasingly recommended as a means to promote physical activity, prevent obesity, and reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions. However, limited evidence from intervention studies exists to support this approach. Drawing on classic epidemiological methods, psychological and ecological models of behavior change, and the principles of realistic evaluation, we have developed an applied ecological framework by which current theories about the behavioral effects of environmental change may be tested in heterogeneous and complex intervention settings. Our framework guides study design and analysis by specifying the most important data to be collected and relations to be tested to confirm or refute specific hypotheses and thereby refine the underlying theories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This aim of this study was to analyse the nature of movement variability and to assess whether entropy measures may represent a valuable synthetic index of neuromuscular organization. The regularity of kinematic/kinetic time series during race walking, the changes in the structure of intra-individual variability over the test session, and the influence of athletic skill in (inter)national rank athletes were investigated. Motion analysis techniques were used. Sample entropy (SampEn) was adopted to examine fluctuations in lower limb angles and ground reaction forces. The regularity of both original and surrogate time series was assessed and compared, by estimating SampEn, to verify the presence of non-linear features in movement variability. SampEn was statistically lower in the original data than in surrogates. In contrast, the regularity of time series did not change significantly throughout the subsequent intra-individual repetitions. Hip and ankle joint angles and vertical ground reaction force manifested increased entropy for skilled athletes. Results suggest that race walking variability was not only the product of random noise but also contained information about the inherent propriety of the neuro-musculo-skeletal system. Furthermore, they provide some indications about neuromuscular control of the lower limb joints during race walking gait, and about the differences between more and less skilled individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Walking is an essential component of outdoor mobility, and recognised as one of the best forms of physical activity for older adults. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between socio-demographic factors, coping resources, self-esteem and health status with the outdoor walking ability of people aged 55-79 years living in the community. The hypothesis is that there is a positive association between outdoor walking ability and coping, self-esteem and health status. A nationally-representative sample of 3,069 women and men answered questions regarding socio-demographic attributes, coping resources, self-esteem, health status and outdoor walking ability. The mean age of the respondents was 65.6 years. Around one-half of the sample were women, and around one-half were aged 65 or more years. One-third (32.3%) of the sample were married or cohabiting. Regarding outdoor walking ability, only 0.7 per cent of the respondents were not able to walk at all, and 80.8 per cent could walk at least one kilometre without a pause. Binary logistic multivariate regression analyses showed that those who had good outdoor walking ability (one kilometre or more) were significantly younger than those who did not, and that they were predominantly men, partnered or married, not in paid work, experienced significantly little pain, had better self-reported health and higher perceived coping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine agreement between the Walk4Life DUO pedometer (W4L; Walk4Life, Plainfield, Illinois, USA) and two criterion instruments in the measurement of physical activity. Participants (N = 189, M = 16.74 years, SD = .99) in high school physical education concurrently wore the DUO (i.e., comparison instrument) and Yamax SW651 pedometers (Yamax Corp., Japan; i.e., criterion instrument), and were video recorded for off-site systematic behavioral observation (i.e., criterion instrument). Physical activity measures were steps/minute (i.e., DUO and SW651) and physical activity time (minutes; i.e., DUO and behavioral observation). Relative agreement between physical activity measures was strong (r ≥ .97, p ≤ .05). However, overall absolute agreement suggests that the DUO pedometer underestimates steps/minute (mean difference score [Mdiff] = 3.13, SD = 4.73, t = 9.07, p = .0001), overestimates physical activity time (Mdiff = -10.76, SD = 6.46, t = -17.22, p = .0001), and does not produce clinically acceptable steps/minute (mean absolute percent error [MAPE] = 10.82%, SD = 9.82) and physical activity time (MAPE = 76.13%, SD = 37.04) outcomes. In conclusion, it is recommended that researchers and practitioners cautiously interpret DUO steps/minutes and not employ the DUO physical activity time function during physical activity programs, such as high school physical education, to estimate physical activity time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to investigate the effects of increasing the number of steps each day on physical fitness, and the change in physical fitness according to the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) genotype. A total of 174 participants were randomly assigned to two groups. Subjects in group A were instructed for 24-week trial to increase the number of steps walked each day, while subjects in group B were instructed to engage in brisk walking, at a target heart rate, for 20 min or more a day on two or more days a week. The values of the 3-min shuttle stamina walk test (SSWT) and the 30-s chair-stand test (CS-30) significantly increased, but no differences in increase were found between the groups. A significant relationship was found between the percentage increase in SSWT values and the increase in the number of steps walked by 1500 steps or more per day over their baseline values. Our results suggest that increasing the number of steps walked daily improves physical fitness. No significant relationships were observed between the change in physical fitness and ACE genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Walking performance changes with age. This has implications for the problem of falls in older adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Yuanji-Dance practice on walking balance and the associated attention demand in healthy elderly. Fifteen community-dwelling elderly (comparison group, no regular exercise habit) and fifteen Yuanji-Dance elderly (exercise group, dancing experience: 5.40 ± 1.95 years), aged 60-70 years, were included in this study. The subjects in exercise group participated in a 90-minute Yuanji-Dance practice at least three times per week and the comparison group continued their normal daily physical activity. Walking balance measures (including walking velocity, step length, step width, and percentage of time spent in double limb support, COM velocity and COM-COP inclination angles) and attentional demand tests (button reaction time and accuracy) were conducted under different conditions. Our results showed that stride lengths, walking velocities, peak A/P velocities (AP V) of the COM, medial COM-COP inclination (M angle) angles, reaction time, and accuracy decrease significantly as the dual-task (walking plus hand button pressing tasks) applied for either the comparison or exercise groups. These results demonstrated that walking performance is attenuated in our elderly participants as the cognitive tasks applied. Analysis also identified a significantly faster RT for our exercise group both in standing and walking conditions. This may indicate that physical exercise (Yuanji-Dance) may have facilitating effects on general cognitive and perceptual- motor functions. This implies that Chinese Yuanji-Dance practice for elderly adults may improve their personal safety when walking especially under the condition of multiple task demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to survey the effect of walking and relaxation exercises on controlling primary and resistant hypertension. Participants: Thirty hypertensive outpatients participated in the study which took place at Hacettepe University Adult Hospital Hypertension Clinic in Turkey. Interventions: The participants underwent a 12-week program in walking and relaxation exercises. Outcome measures: State and Trait Anxiety Inventory, Lifestyle Evaluation questionnaire and blood pressure measurements. Results: Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly reduced as were anxiety levels. Conclusion: Walking and relaxation exercises are both effective interventions for improving blood pressure levels and anxiety. Nurses should encourage and educate patients about the benefits of these interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Physical inactivity is a global public health problem, and it has been linked to many of the most serious illnesses facing many industrialized nations. There is little evidence examining the physical activity profile and determinants for the vulnerable population such as people with intellectual disabilities (ID). The present paper aims to describe the regular physical activity prevalence and to examine its determinants among adolescents with intellectual disabilities in Taiwan. Participants were recruited from 3 special education schools in Taiwan, with the entire response participants composed of 351 primary caregivers of adolescents with ID (age 16–18 years). There were 29.9% ID individuals had regular physical activity habits, and the main physical activities were walking, sports, and jogging. There were only 8% individuals with ID met the national physical activity recommendation in Taiwan which suggests at least exercise 3 times per week and 30min per time. In a stepwise logistic regression analysis of regular physical activity habit, we found that the factors of caregiver''s educational level and preference toward physical activity were variables that can significantly predict ID individuals who had regular physical activity habit in their daily livings after controlling other factors. To maximize the positive effect of physical activity on people with ID, the present study suggests that it is needed to initiate appropriate techniques used for motivation to participate in physical activity for this population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Focus group methodology was used to explore in depth the perceptions of older adults who had participated in a 12-week pedometer-based intervention. Nineteen women and 8 men, ages 55-86 years, volunteered to take part in the focus groups following participation in the intervention. Four focus groups of six to eight participants were scheduled at primary sites in the southern Maine area. Analysis of the data revealed four specific topical areas: (a) factors that led to increases in daily step count, (b)factors that hindered increases in daily step count, (c) benefits of pedometer intervention program, and (d) recommendations on how to improve older adults 'physical activity. Overall, focus group participants found this intervention to be beneficial and recommended its expansion to other groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The mainstream randomized clinical trial is not always feasible in a school setting. There might be practical and ethical issues that make dividing school classes into an intervention and a control group impossible or undesirable, and there is a need to explore the validity of alternative designs and analyses. Methods An alternative to a randomized clinical trial in a physical performance experiment at a school is introduced and evaluated. The before-intervention data are utilized as control data for the intervention data in addition to adjust for pre-intervention differences. The strict class year structure of school data makes this possible. In a rural school in inland Norway, all school children joined the project of walking in a rugged terrain outside school for 20 min every school day during one school year. Measurements of low back static endurance, hamstrings flexibility, standing balance and cardiovascular fitness were made before and after the intervention. As intervention and ‘aging’ were confounded, the special use of the pre-intervention data, ‘age-adjusted’, is proposed to solve this issue. A comparison with having an independent control group is performed. Results The alternative analysing method is judged to yield valid results without having an independent control group. The age-adjusted analyses showed 11% increase in low back static endurance, 8% increase in hamstrings flexibility, 69% increase in balance and 6–13% increase in cardiovascular fitness. The effects were largest among those children who had the lowest performances before the intervention. Conclusion The introduced statistical methods display that, in a school population, evaluations from an experiment can be made without an independent control group. A 20-min walk during school time for 1 year seemed to improve physical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study considered the problem of identifying and evaluating the factors of individual performance during race walking. In particular, the study explored the use of functional principal component analysis (f-PCA), a multivariate data analysis, for assessing and classifying the kinematics and kinetics of the knee joint in competitive race walkers. Seven race walkers of international and national level participated to the study. An optoelectronic system and a force platform were used to capture three-dimensional kinematics and kinetics of lower limbs during the race walking cycle. Functional principal component analysis was applied bilaterally to the sagittal knee angle and net moment data, because knee joint motion is fundamental to race walking technique. Scatterplots of principal component scores provided evidence of athletes' technical differences and asymmetries even when traditional analysis (mean ± s curves) was not effective. Principal components provided indications for race walkers' classification and identified potentially important technical differences between higher and lower skilled athletes. Therefore, f-PCA might represent a future aid for the fine analysis of sports movements, if consistently applied to performance monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: To investigate factors related to cardiorespiratory fitness in older human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients and to explore the utility of 6-minute walk distance (6-MWD) in measuring fitness. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study in clinic-based cohort. SETTING: Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-three HIV-infected men, median age 57 (range 50–82), without recent acquired immunodeficiency syndrome–related illness and receiving antiretroviral (ARV) therapy. MEASUREMENTS: Peak oxygen utilization (VO2peak) according to treadmill graded exercise testing, 6-MWD, grip strength, quadriceps maximum voluntary isometric contraction, cross-sectional area, muscle quality, and muscle adiposity. RESULTS: There was a moderate correlation between VO2peak (mean ± SD; 18.4 ± 5.6 mL/kg per minute) and 6-MWD (514 ± 91 m) ( r=0.60, P<.001). VO2peak was lower in subjects with hypertension (16%, P<.01) and moderate anemia (hemoglobin 10–13 gm/dL; 15%, P=.09) than in subjects without these conditions. CD4 cell count (median 356 cells/mL, range 20–1,401) and HIV-1 viral load (84% nondetectable) were not related to VO2peak. Among muscle parameters, only grip strength was an independent predictor of VO2peak. Estimation of VO2peak using linear regression, including age, 6-MWD, grip strength, and hypertension as independent variables, explained 61% of the variance in VO2peak. CONCLUSION: Non-AIDS-related comorbidity predicts cardiorespiratory fitness in older HIV-infected men receiving ARV therapy. The 6-MWD is a valuable measure of fitness in this patient population, but a larger study with diverse subjects is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exercise carbon dioxide equivalent slope predicts prognosis in coronary artery disease patients. However, no study examined whether the carbon dioxide equivalent slope in coronary artery disease patients is dependent on the type of exercise. Twenty-nine coronary artery disease patients performed maximal cardiopulmonary exercise tests on bike, treadmill and arm cycle, with assessment of oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide output, and expiratory volume. The carbon dioxide equivalent slope was calculated from rest till peak exercise. The carbon dioxide equivalent slope was significantly different between walking, cycling, and arm cranking exercises (P<0.05), i.e. the carbon dioxide equivalent slope was the lowest during walking and the highest during arm cranking. Bland-Altman plots revealed that the difference of the carbon dioxide equivalent slope between exercises was greater in the case of a higher averaged carbon dioxide equivalent slope and overall peak oxygen uptake. In conclusion, the carbon dioxide equivalent slope is significantly dependent on the type of exercise in coronary artery disease patients. Additionally, the averaged carbon dioxide equivalent slope and peak oxygen uptake affect the difference of the carbon dioxide equivalent slopes between exercises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern life is fraught with pressures and demands that compromise and interfere with the needs of the body. Exercising in leisure time offers many well-documented mental and physical benefits to counter the strains of modern life - yet many choose to remain inactive. Our understanding of inactivity can be enhanced by more research into those who do undertake exercise in a variety of forms. The purpose of this study was to understand more about the experience of those who exercise in the natural environment, through hiking and walking on Medvednica Mountain Nature Park near Zagreb, Croatia. To this end we interviewed 122 hikers and walkers on-site, asking general questions about the walking experience on Medvednica. The findings centre around three main experiences: (1) affinity with nature and the outdoors; (2) mental and physical benefits; and (3) interaction with others and development of self-knowledge. Overall the participants appeared to have found a simple way to negate the impact of living in modern society. This research suggests that civic organisations should promote walking as a way of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Race walking can be considered as a long-distance performance and it can be described as the technical and athletic expression of fast walking. The physiological determinants of these performances have been well documented; moreover, several recent studies demonstrated that concurrent strength and endurance training can improve performance in endurance athletes. Thus, the purpose of this report was to monitor the adaptations of a combined strength, performed by circuit resistance training (CRT), and endurance programme in two top level female race walkers. The subjects were examined before and after 12 weeks of CRT and endurance training and performed an incremental field test to determine maximum oxygen uptake (.VO2max), running economy (RE) and lactate threshold (LT). The results showed that 12 weeks of combined CRT and endurance programme did not correspond to an alteration in.VO2max and RE, while improvements in LT and 5-km performance were seen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The use of Nordic Walking (NW) as a rehabilitation modality has increased considerably. NW (walking with poles) is advocated as a healthy physical activity that reduces the load on the knees. Few studies using the techniques of NW exist, and the findings are contradictory. The aim of this study was to investigate whether NW reduces the loadings upon the knee joint compared with walking without poles (NP). Seven experienced female NW instructors volunteered. Three-dimensional gait analyses were performed. Internal flexor and extensor joint moments were calculated using an inverse dynamics approach and the knee joint compressive forces were calculated. No differences in compression or shear forces between NW and NP were found. The peak knee flexion angles were larger during NW (−32.5±6.0°) compared with NP (−28.2±4.2°). The hip range of motion (ROM) was significantly increased during NW (64.4±10.2°) compared with NP (57.8±9.7°); no differences in the knee and ankle joint ROM were observed. The changes in the joint angles were not followed by changes in the joint dynamics. The present study does not support the statement that NW reduces the load on the knees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the gait analysis on split-belt force treadmills, which is performed during overground walking with ground reactions being recorded through force platforms embedded in the floor. Body kinematics and surface electromyography (EMG) are also recorded. It is said that GA on treadmills resting on force sensors (GAFT) has been criticized on various grounds. However, it is mentioned in the article that treadmill allows fast recording of data from many successive strides, at known and constant average speeds. Results show that an eight percent shorter stride length was adopted on the treadmill.

A hip brace designated as WISH-type of S-form hip brace was applied for 14 patients with painful hip osteoarthritis (OA), who were required to walk as an exercise at least a half hour every day. Patients were independently evaluated and serially scored using the Harris and Japanese Orthopaedic Surgery (JOA) scores. Pain relief on gait was obtained immediately and dramatically in all patients, providing high compliance. Approximately three fourths of patients acquired independence from analgesics. Both Harris and JOA scoring systems indicated significant improvement of hip function. Only two cases showed poor responses, and common factors in these cases included bilateral involvement and unsuccessfulness of daily walking exercise. The present WISH-type hip brace may be one of the most valuable treatments in the management of the hip OA. Requirements of muscle exercise around the hip girdle involving daily walking should be emphasized for maintenance of the brace effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Socialno Delo is the property of Socialno Delo 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 investigated whether, over a number of fixed distances and under a number of different exposure concentrations, the cyclist will adsorb less benzene by cycling/walking slowly with a relatively low breathing rate or by cycling/walking as fast as reasonably possible with a relatively high breathing rate. Breathing rates were measured in the laboratory for various cycling/walking speeds over set distances. These breathing rates could then be entered into a numerical model of the human respiratory tract together with the journey times and pollutant concentrations to assess the total absorption of pollutants in the lungs. Results show that cycling and walking at a relatively fast speed and therefore breathing at a higher rate over a shorter duration of exposure results in lower total absorption of benzene than cycling/walking the same distance at a slower speed. The magnitude of this reduction (was more notable at lower concentrations than at high concentrations in the alveolar region of the lungs and was more notable for the pedestrian than cyclist. The cycling at a faster pace resulted in a 17% reduction in total absorption, while walking at a faster pace resulted in a 26% reduction compared to travelling at a slower pace in both cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This randomized controlled study was designed to prove the hypothesis that a novel approach to high-speed interval training, based on walking on a treadmill with the use of body weight unloading (BWU), would have improved energy cost and speed of overground walking in healthy older women. Participants were randomly assigned to either the exercise group (n = 11, 79.6 ± 3.7 yr, mean ± SD) or the nonintervention control group (n = 11, 77.6 ± 2.3 yr). During the first 6 wk, the exercise group performed walking interval training on the treadmill with 40% BWU at the maximal walking speed corresponding to an intensity close to heart rate at ventilatory threshold (Tvent walking speed). Each session consisted of four sets of 5 min of walking (three 1-min periods at Tvent walking speed, with two 1-min intervals at comfortable walking speed in between each period at Tvent walking speed) with 1-min interval between each set. Speed was increased session by session until the end of week 6. BWU was then progressively reduced to 10% during the last 6 wk of intervention. After 12 wk, the walking energy cost per unit of distance at all self-selected overground walking speeds (slow, comfortable, and fast) was significantly reduced in the range from 18 to 21%. The exercise group showed a 13% increase in maximal walking speed and a 67% increase in mechanical power output at Tvent after the training program. The novel ‘overspeed’ training approach has been demonstrated to be effective in improving energy cost and speed of overground walking in healthy older women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Walking with poles (Nordic walking, NW) has become popular. We compared training responses of brisk walking (W) or NW on cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular fitness. We randomized 121 non-obese sedentary women (aged 50–60) to an NW or W group (NWG, WG), to train 40 min four times weekly for 13 weeks. Intensity was based on subjective perception of exertion. Cardiorespiratory performance was assessed in four levels corresponding to 50%, 65%, 80% and 100% of peak VO2. Fifty-four NWG and 53 WG subjects completed the study. The mean intensity was about 50% of heart rate (HR) reserve. The baseline peak VO2 was 25.8 (SD 3.9) mL/min/kg. Both groups improved peak VO2 similarly (NWG 2.5 mL/min/kg, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.9–3.3; WG 2.6, CI 1.9–3.3). In the submaximal stages while walking with or without poles, HR and lactate decreased after training in both groups, but the changes were not statistically significantly different between the groups. Of the neuromuscular tests after training, the only significant difference between the groups was in the leg strength in the one-leg squat, favoring WG. In conclusion, both training modes improved similarly health-enhancing physical fitness, and they were feasible and safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the effects of interventions to promote walking in individuals and populations. Design Systematic review. Data sources Published and unpublished reports in any language identified by searching 25 electronic databases, by searching websites, reference lists, and existing systematic reviews, and by contacting experts. Review methods Systematic search for and appraisal of controlled before and after studies of the effects of any type of intervention on how much people walk, the distribution of effects on walking between social groups, and any associated effects on overall physical activity, fitness, risk factors for disease, health, and wellbeing. Results We included 19 randomised controlled trials and 29 non-randomised controlled studies. Interventions tailored to people's needs, targeted at the most sedentary or at those most motivated to change, and delivered either at the level of the individual (brief advice, supported use of pedometers, telecommunications) or household (individualised marketing) or through groups, can encourage people to walk more, although the sustainability, generalisability, and clinical benefits of many of these approaches are uncertain. Evidence for the effectiveness of interventions applied to workplaces, schools, communities, or areas typically depends on isolated studies or subgroup analysis. Conclusions The most successful interventions could increase walking among targeted participants by up to 30-60 minutes a week on average, at least in the short term. From a perspective of improving population health, much of the research currently provides evidence of efficacy rather than effectiveness. Nevertheless, interventions to promote walking could contribute substantially towards increasing the activity levels of the most sedentary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to quantify the movement patterns of various playing positions during professional rugby union match-play, such that the relative importance of aerobic and anaerobic energy pathways to performance could be estimated. Video analysis was conducted of individual players (n=29) from the Otago Highlanders during six “Super 12” representative fixtures. Each movement was coded as one of six speeds of locomotion (standing still, walking, jogging, cruising, sprinting, and utility), three states of non-running intensive exertion (rucking/mauling, tackling, and scrummaging), and three discrete activities (kicking, jumping, passing). The results indicated significant demands on all energy systems in all playing positions, yet implied a greater reliance on anaerobic glycolytic metabolism in forwards, due primarily to their regular involvement in non-running intense activities such as rucking, mauling, scrummaging, and tackling. Positional group comparisons indicated that while the greatest differences existed between forwards and backs, each positional group had its own unique demands. Front row forwards were mostly involved in activities involving gaining/retaining possession, back row forwards tended to play more of a pseudo back-line role, performing less rucking/mauling than front row forwards, yet being more involved in aspects of broken play such as sprinting and tackling. While outside backs tended to specialize in the running aspects of play, inside backs tended to show greater involvement in confrontational aspects of play such as rucking/mauling and tackling. These results suggest that rugby training and fitness testing should be tailored specifically to positional groups rather than simply differentiating between forwards and backs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the relationships between walking speed and heart rate (HR) variability (HRV) in eleven subjects during a 24-h race. It was hypothesized that the nycthemeral rhythm on HR is preserved during the race. RR intervals and walking speed were measured. Fast Fourier transform was applied to samples of 1,024 successive RR intervals collected every hour from a HR monitor. Walking speed was averaged every hour and decreased (first lap: 8.8 +/- 0.3 vs. last lap: 7.3 +/- 0.8 km h(-1), P < 0.001) with HR also decreasing (max at 19:00 h: 143 +/- 9 vs. min at 7:00 h: 117 +/- 14 beats min(-1), P < 0.001) following a third order polynomial shape. HRV power spectral components followed distribution patterns similar to the mean RR during the race with a minimum in the early evening (19:00-20:00 h) and a maximum in the morning (5:00-8:00 h). Thus, as for mean RR, spectral components over time are also fitted to a third order polynomial regression. LF/HF ratio increased linearly (min = 0.5 +/- 0.3, max = 2.8 +/- 5.3, P = 0.02). Although mean HF peak did not decrease significantly over time, it was positively correlated with walking speed. In conclusion, this study showed that despite a constant decrease in walking speed, HR circadian rhythm is preserved during a continuous 24-h walking race. The short-term HRV components remain linked to HR whereas the LF/HF ratio increases linearly until the end of the race whatever HR is. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to determine maximal oxygen uptake (&Vdot;O2max) directly during uphill walking exercise and to compare these values with those achieved during running and cycling exercise. Forty untrained students (20 males and 20 females) took part in three exercise tests. The running test was performed on a horizontal treadmill and the speed was gradually increased by 0.3 m · s-1 every 3 min. The walking test was conducted on a treadmill inclined at 12% (speed of 1.8 m · s-1). The load was further increased every 3 min by the addition of a mass of one-twentieth of the body mass of the participant (plastic containers filled with water and added to a backpack carried by the participant). During the bicycle ergometry test, the workload was increased by 20 W every 2 min. All tests were performed until volitional exhaustion. During all tests, oxygen uptake, minute ventilation, tidal volume, respiratory frequency, heart rate, hydrogen ion concentration, base excess, and blood lactate concentration were analysed. The Pearson correlation coefficients between the weighted walking test and the commonly applied running and bicycle ergometry tests indicate a strong association with the new test in evaluating maximal oxygen uptake. The negligible differences in &Vdot;O2max between the three tests for the male participants (running: 61.0 ml · kg-1 · min-1; walking: 60.4 ml · kg-1 · min-1; cycling: 60.2 ml · kg-1 · min-1), and the fact that the females achieved better results on the walking test than the cycle ergometer test (running: 45.0 ml · kg-1 · min-1; walking: 42.6 ml · kg-1 · min-1; cycling: 40.1 ml · kg-1 · min-1), confirm the suitability of the new method for evaluating aerobic power. The weighted walking test could be useful in the assessment of aerobic power in individuals for whom running is not advised or is difficult. In addition, the new test allows for determination of &Vdot;O2max on small treadmills with a limited speed regulator, such as those found in specialist physiotherapy and fitness centres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to: (1) determine whether the number of pedometer counts recorded by adolescents differs according to the adiposity of the participant or location on the body; (2) assess the accuracy and reliability of pedometers during field activity; and (3) set adolescent pedometer-based physical activity targets. Seventy-eight 11- to 15-year-old Boy Scouts completed three types of activity: walking, fast walking and running. Each type was performed twice. Participants wore three pedometers and one activity monitor during all activities. Participants were divided into groups of normal weight (BMI < 85th percentile) and at risk of being overweight (BMI ⩾ 85th percentile). Intra-class correlations across the three activities indicated reliability (r = 0.51 -0.92, P< 0.001). This conclusion was supported by narrow limits of agreement that were within a pre-set range that was practically meaningful. Multivariate analysis of covariance indicated adiposity group differences, but this difference was a function of the increased stature among the larger participants (P < 0.00 1). Ordinary least-squares regression models and multi-level regression models showed positive associations between the number of pedometer and activity monitor counts recorded by the three groups of participants during all activities (all P < 0.00 1). The mean number of counts recorded for all participants during the fast walk was 127 counts per minute. In conclusion, the pedometers provided an accurate assessment of adolescent physical activity, and a conservative estimate of 8000 pedometer counts in 60 mm is equivalent to 60 min of moderate to vigorous Phsical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study examined the criterion-related validity and the reliability of the FitSense FS-1 Speedometer for estimating distance, speed, and energy expenditure (EE) during walking and running. The study was divided into two parts. Part I investigated the validity and the reliability of the FitSense for estimating distance while walking and running around a 400-m track (n = 24). Part II looked at the validity of the FitSense for estimating speed and EE during level treadmill walking (4.8,6.4, and 8.0 km·h-1) and running (8.0. 9.6, and 11.2 km·h-1). Twelve of the original 24 subjects completed Part II. The results of Part I indicated that the FitSense accurately estimated walking distance, but it underestimated running distance by an average of 3.5% (p = 0.016). Test-retest reliability was deemed adequate for both walking and running distance (ICC = 0.87 and 0.84, respectively). In Part II, the FitSense overestimated speed during treadmill walking at 8.0 km·h-1 (p <0.001) and underestimated EE at two walking speeds (6.4 and 8.0 k m·h-1) (p <0.01). No significant differences were found for speed or EE predictions while running at any speed. In summary, the FitSense FS-1 Speedometer provided valid estimates of walking distance during track tests, and valid estimates of speed during treadmill walking (4.8 and 6.4 km·h-1) and running (9.6 and 11.2 km·h-1). However, the FitSense underestimated running distance during track tests. In addition, the FitSense overestimated speed and underestimated EE in the transition between walking and running (8.0 km·h-1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative research explored the question: Do preadolescent and adolescent youths with behavioral challenges benefit from a multimodal intervention of walking outdoors while engaging in counseling? The objective of the Walk and Talk intervention is to help the youth feel better, explore alternative behavioral choices, and learn new coping strategies and life skills by engaging in a counseling process that includes the benefits of mild aerobic exercise, and that nurtures a connection to the outdoors. The intervention utilizes a strong therapeutic alliance based on the Rogerian technique of unconditional positive regard, which is grounded and guided by the principles of attachment theory. For eight weeks, eight students (aged 9 to 13 years) from a middle school in Alberta, Canada, participated weekly in the Walk and Talk intervention. Students' self-reports indicated that they benefited from the intervention. Research triangulation with involved adults supported findings that indicated the students were making prosocial choices in behavior, and were experiencing more feelings of self-efficacy and well-being. Limitations, new research directions, and subsequent longitudinal research possibilities are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. – The aim of this study was to verify that the determination of walking velocities proportional to the leg lengths of the subjects together with the dimensionless expression of the results enable us to decrease the variability and to determine a plantar pressure threshold.Material and methods. – Fifteen male subjects performed two walking tests on a treadmill at imposed velocities (V1 and V3) and similar velocities (V27 and V37). Similar velocities (Vsim =Nfr(g.Li)0.5) were determined from two fractions of the Froude number (Nfr), the gravitational acceleration (g) and the length of the lower limb (Li) of the subjects. An in-shoe plantar pressure measurement system allowed the pressure peaks to be recorded. The peak of pressure (p) was reported to the step length (a) and the weight of the subject (mg) for the dimensionless pressure peaks (Dim(P)=p.a2/mg) to be expressed. The coefficients of variability (CoV) and extends of the dimensionless pressure peaks (Epp) have been studied at the different imposed walking velocities.Results. – – The CoV and Epp of the dimensionless pressure peaks recorded at V27 and V37 (similar velocities) are from 2 to 9% and 3 to 22% lower than those observed at V1 and V3, respectively.Discussion–conclusion. – The analysis of the pressure peaks CoV and Epp shows that the method should allow a data bank usable to detect the effects of a disability on the plantar pressures to be elaborated. Indeed, our results enable us to define a plantar pressure pattern with a variability lower than those reported in most scientific articles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

STUDY DESIGN:: Comparative study of the effectiveness of walking exercise with a newly developed gait orthosis, the weight-bearing control (WBC) orthosis, for thoracic level of paraplegic patients. OBJECTIVES:: To test its feasibility as a rehabilitation alternative for paraplegic patients, the energy consumption and cost during walking with WBC were calculated and compared with the values of conventional orthoses given in previous reports. SETTING:: National Rehabilitation Center for the Disabled, Japan. METHODS:: Four paraplegic patients with traumatic spinal cord injuries ranging from T8 to T12 participated. Experiments were conducted after 3 months of the orthotic gait training with WBC. The cardiorespiratory parameters were continuously measured at rest and during walking with a telemetric device. The steady-state value of the oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate (HR), the energy consumption (J/kg/s) and energy cost (J/kg/m) were calculated. RESULTS:: The average walking speed was 19.0±2.58?m/min. The steady-state value of the VO2 and HR were 16.08±1.93?ml/kg and 147.3±10.94?b/min, respectively. The energy cost during orthotic walking tended to be better than the values of conventional orthoses, whereas the energy consumption was almost similar. CONCLUSION:: WBC enables thoracic level of paraplegic patients to walk at relatively higher speed than conventional orthoses under similar energy expenditure. The special devices equipped with WBC are therefore considered to lead to improvement of the energy cost of walking. The physical intensity presumed by cardiorespiratory responses during walking with WBC is suited to promote their aerobic capacity. Therefore, it is concluded that the WBC orthosis could be an effective alternative in rehabilitation for thoracic level of paraplegic patients.Spinal Cord (2003) 41, 506-510. doi:10.1038/sj.sc.3101494 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was first, to assess the presence of medical conditions that might interfere with walking; second, to assess the differences in walking capacity, perceived exertion and physical complaints between lean, obese and morbidly obese women; and third, to identify anthropometric, physical fitness and physical activity variables that contribute to the variability in the distance achieved during a 6-minute walk test in lean and obese women. A total of 85 overweight and obese females 18-65 years, body mass index BMI) ≥ 27.5kgm[sup-2]), 133 morbidly obese females BMI ≥ 35 kg m[sup-2]) and 82 age-matched sedentary lean female volunteers BMI ≤26 kg m[sup-2]) were recruited. Patients suffering from severe musculoskeletal and cardiopulmonary disease were excluded from the study. Prior to the test, conditions that might interfere with walking and hours of TV watching were asked for. Physical activity pattern was assessed using the Baecke questionnaire. Weight, height, body composition bioelectrical impedance method), isokinetic concentric quadriceps strength Cybex) and peak oxygen uptake peakVO[sub2]--bicycle ergometer) were measured. A 6-minute walk test was performed and heart rate, walking distance, Borg rating scale of perceived exertion RPE) and physical complaints at the end of the test were recorded. In obese and particularly in morbidly obese women suffering from skin friction, urinary stress incontinence, varicose veins, foot static problems and pain, wearing insoles, suffering from knee pain, low back pain or hip arthritis were significantly more prevalent than in lean women P < 0.05). Morbidly obese women BMI > 35 kg m[sup-2] N= 133) walked significantly slower 5.4kmh¹) than obese 5.9kmh) and lean women 7.2kmh[sup-1], P< 0.05), were more exerted RPE 13.3, 12.8 and 12.4,... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study that investigated the mechanical energy flow in the recovery leg and its relationship with performance descriptors of elite male race walkers in an official race. Determination of the step frequency; Significance of the relationship between the walking speed in the early phase of the race and the race record to the race performance; Changes in the mechanical energy of the support and the recovery legs; Conclusions of the study.

Background. Brisk walking has been identified as an activity suited to meet American College of Sport Medicine/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for moderate intensity exercise (55–69% HRmax, 40–59% VO2R). However, little is known about whether recreational walkers self-select a pace which elicits this intensity and how they interpret the term “brisk walking.”Methods. The walking speed of 82 adults was covertly observed in a public park. Fifty-nine of these participants demonstrated their interpretation of “brisk walking” and the speed was noted. Eleven of these subjects subsequently walked on a treadmill at their observed and “brisk walk” speeds. Heart rate (HR), respiratory gases, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured.Results. Mean observed and “brisk” walking speeds were 1.56 ± 0.17 m · s−1 and 1.79 ± 0.19 m · s−1 respectively (P ≤ 0.001). Mean exercise intensities during the treadmill test (n = 11) were 59.0 ± 13.4% VO2max and 67.3 ± 11.6% HRmax for the observed speed (1.60 + 0.24 m · s−1). The brisk speed (1.86 ± 0.12 m · s−1) equated to 68.6 ± 14.9% VO2max and 78.5 ± 15.5% HRmax.Conclusion. The speed and intensity selected by this group of walkers meets current recommendations for moderate intensity exercise. Instructing individuals to “walk briskly” prompts more vigorous activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]