Speed and Exercise Intensity of Recreational Walkers

doi:10.1006/pmed.2002.1090

Preventive Medicine

Volume 35, Issue 4, October 2002, Pages 397-400

https://doi.org/10.1006/pmed.2002.1090 Get rights and content

Abstract

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% HR_max, 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% VO_2max and 67.3 ± 11.6% HR_max 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% VO_2max and 78.5 ± 15.5% HR_max.

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.

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¹: To whom correspondence and reprint requests should be addressed at School of Applied Medical Science and Sports Studies, University of Ulster at Jordanstown, Shore Road, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, BT37 0QB, Northern Ireland. Fax: (028) 9036 8255. E-mail: [email protected].

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Regular ArticleSpeed and Exercise Intensity of Recreational Walkers

Abstract

Prev Med

Am J Cardiol

Am J Cardiol

Prev Med

Metab Clin Exp

Ann Readaptation Med Phys

Physical activity and public health: a recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American-College-of-Sports-Medicine

J Am Med Assoc

Lifestyle activity. Current recommendations

Sports Med

A Pan-EU survey on consumer attitudes to physical activity, body-weight and health

Advances in exercise adherence

Is walking sufficient exercise for health?

Sports Med

Training effects of short and long bouts of brisk walking in sedentary women

Med Sci Sports Exerc

Effects of a 12-week walking program on maximal and submaximal work output indexes in sedentary middle-aged men and women

J Sports Med Phys Fitness

Women walking for health and fitness: how much is enough

J Am Med Assoc

Brisk walking and serum-lipid and lipoprotein variables in previously sedentary women: effect of 12 weeks of regular brisk walking followed by 12 weeks of detraining

Br J Sports Med

Influence of walking volume on health benefits in women post-menopause

Med Sci Sports Exerc

Regular Article
Speed and Exercise Intensity of Recreational Walkers