Abstract
Background: Instructions for older adults regarding the intensity of walking may not elicit an intensity to infer health gains. We recorded the metabolic equivalents (METs) during a 1-mile walk using constant and predicted values of resting MET in older adults to establish walking guidelines for health promotion and participation.Methods: In a cross-sectional design study, participants (15 men, 10 women) walked 1-mile overground, in a wooden floored gymnasium, wearing the Cosmed K4b2 for measurement of energy expenditure. Constant or predicted values for resting MET were used to calculate the number of 1-mile walks to meet 450-750 MET∙min∙wk-1.Results: Participants had MET values higher than 3 for both methods, with 29% and 64% of the participants higher than 6 for a constant and predicted MET value, respectively. The METs of the1-mile walk were (mean ± SD) 6 ± 1 and 7 ± 1 METs using constant and predicted resting MET,and similar for men (constant: 6 ± 1 METs; predicted: 7 ± 1 METs) and women (constant: 5±1METs; predicted: 6 ± 1 METs) (P > 0.05).Conclusion: Older adults that are instructed to walk 1-mile at a fast and constant pace meet the minimum required intensity for physical activity, and public health guidelines. Health professionals, that administer exercise, could encourage older adults to accumulate between six and nine 1-mile walks per week for health gains.
Highlights
IntroductionInstructions regarding the intensity may not elicit an intensity required to infer health gains in older adults.[4] The metabolic equivalent (MET), a method of estimating energy expenditure during physical activity is used to prescribe exercise.[5] The 1-metabolic equivalents (METs) represents energy expenditure while sitting quietly,[6] with the assumption that it is equal to 3.5 ml∙kg-1∙min-1 as reported by Jetté et al,[7] and defined here as the M1 method
Health promotion guidelines suggest that healthy adults benefit from at least 150-minutes of moderateintensity activities per week, achieved by bouts of at least 10 minutes, to reduce risk of chronic diseases and maintain quality of life.[1,2] Walking is a popular form of physical activity and suitable for all population groups.[3]instructions regarding the intensity may not elicit an intensity required to infer health gains in older adults.[4]
Many different parameters, i.e. frequency, intensity, duration and type of exercise, have to be considered in exercise guidelines for older adults, with some difficult to measure in the general public
Summary
Instructions regarding the intensity may not elicit an intensity required to infer health gains in older adults.[4] The metabolic equivalent (MET), a method of estimating energy expenditure during physical activity is used to prescribe exercise.[5] The 1-MET represents energy expenditure while sitting quietly,[6] with the assumption that it is equal to 3.5 ml∙kg-1∙min-1 as reported by Jetté et al,[7] and defined here as the M1 method. We recorded the metabolic equivalents (METs) during a 1-mile walk using constant and predicted values of resting MET in older adults to establish walking guidelines for health promotion and participation. Conclusion: Older adults that are instructed to walk 1-mile at a fast and constant pace meet the minimum required intensity for physical activity, and public health guidelines. That administer exercise, could encourage older adults to accumulate between six and nine 1-mile walks per week for health gains
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