Physiological Responses When Performing Resistive Arm Exercise While Walking

Abstract

PURPOSE Performing resistive-arm exercise while walking can increase energy expenditure without raising the intensity of walking. We found that resistive arm exercise (waist belt with pull cords) raises energy expenditure approximately 30% during walking at a preferred pace. To achieve a greater rate of energy expenditure, it is possible that adding arm exercise while walking may be preferred over walking faster or jogging. The purpose of this study was to compare the physiological responses between resistive-arm exercise + walking (AW) to walking only (W) at a given VO2. METHODS Fourteen participants (age: 27 ± 9 yr; mean ± SD) performed two walk trials, the first at a preferred pace (AW) and the other at a faster pace (W) to match VO2 during AW. Walk time ranged from 5 to 8 min, during which steady state VO2, VE, HR, RPE and blood lactate were measured. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine differences between trials. RESULTS Preferred walk pace was 3.7 ± 0.3 mph during the AW trial. To match the VO2 during AW, walk pace during W was 4.2 ± 0.4 mph, 1.25 ± 1.1% grade. Despite similar VO2, HR and lactate responses; RPE was higher (p <0.03) during W compared to AW. VE was higher (p <0.01) during AW due to a higher breathing rate (32 ± 6 vs 27 ± 6 br/min), which was likely due to the set rate of cord pulling during arm exercise (30 pulls/min). CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that performing resistive arm exercise during a preferred walking pace may be a viable alternative to a more uncomfortable faster walking pace when attempting to increase energy expenditure. Partially supported by Walker's Warehouse, Tequesta, FL.Table