Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine if body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) decreased metabolic and cardiovascular demand in older (50-74 years) healthy adults while walking a self-selected speed. The results of this study could impact clinician application to exercise therapy. Twenty subjects (50% female, 58.3±7.3 years) completed 3, 5-minute treadmill walking trials at a self-selected pace, with 0%, 15%, and 30% body weight support (BWS). Blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and oxygen uptake (V̇O<inf>2</inf>) were measured at rest, and during walking trials. Mean data from minutes 3-5 were analyzed for difference by repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc test. At rest, HR was 70.8±8.2 bpm and BP was 126.8±12.2/84.3±8.6 mmHg. Mean walking speed was 67.1 m/min. Tested parameters during exercise trials were significantly (P<0.05) different from rest, but no significant differences were detected among the 3 exercise trials. In older adults walking at self-selected speeds, up to 30% BWS had no significant impact on metabolic or cardiovascular demand.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
