G-39 Free Communication/Poster - Cycling

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to present objective archival data of mall walkers (MW) exercising in their mall. METHODS: 315 MW (men: n=101, women: 214) from nine enclosed shopping centers were recruited to participate. After completing informed consents, a health history questionnaire, an activity questionnaire, blood pressure (BP), height, and weight were obtained. A subset (m=26, w=68) of the sample was recruited to examine whether MW walked at a cardiovascular (CV) training threshold (≥55%) of age-estimated HRmax (EMhr). Each subject walked a mile at a brisk MW-pace in the shortest time (TTime) on a previously measured course in their mall. Estimated VO2max values were derived from Rippe et al. (1988). A χ2 analysis was used to compare O (observed) to E (expected) values for the walk test.RESULTS: Estimated VO2max values varied inversely with age. Most (84%) walked at an intensity (EMhr) high enough to achieve a CV training effect, at paces at least 55% of their age-estimated HRmax (p<0.001). Of this healthy subset, >90% reported walking at this intensity ≥ 3x / week. CONCLUSION: This was a unique in situ study of MW health and exercise characteristics. Many MW walk at HR intensities sufficient for a CV training effect. Low VO2max values may be indicative of the presence of degenerative diseases normally attributed to the aging process. When asked why they walked in the mall, 95.2% (N=315) reported that they walked for the benefits of health and wellness, ie, exercise is medicine. This study should be replicated in a clinical setting.