Abstract
BackgroundPrevious studies have reported that walking cadence (steps/min) is associated with absolutely-defined intensity (metabolic equivalents; METs), such that cadence-based thresholds could serve as reasonable proxy values for ambulatory intensities.PurposeTo establish definitive heuristic (i.e., evidence-based, practical, rounded) thresholds linking cadence with absolutely-defined moderate (3 METs) and vigorous (6 METs) intensity.MethodsIn this laboratory-based cross-sectional study, 76 healthy adults (10 men and 10 women representing each 5-year age-group category between 21 and 40 years, BMI = 24.8 ± 3.4 kg/m2) performed a series of 5-min treadmill bouts separated by 2-min rests. Bouts began at 0.5 mph and increased in 0.5 mph increments until participants: 1) chose to run, 2) achieved 75% of their predicted maximum heart rate, or 3) reported a Borg rating of perceived exertion > 13. Cadence was hand-tallied, and intensity (METs) was measured using a portable indirect calorimeter. Optimal cadence thresholds for moderate and vigorous ambulatory intensities were identified using a segmented regression model with random coefficients, as well as Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) models. Positive predictive values (PPV) of candidate heuristic thresholds were assessed to determine final heuristic values.ResultsOptimal cadence thresholds for 3 METs and 6 METs were 102 and 129 steps/min, respectively, using the regression model, and 96 and 120 steps/min, respectively, using ROC models. Heuristic values were set at 100 steps/min (PPV of 91.4%), and 130 steps/min (PPV of 70.7%), respectively.ConclusionsCadence thresholds of 100 and 130 steps/min can serve as reasonable heuristic thresholds representative of absolutely-defined moderate and vigorous ambulatory intensity, respectively, in 21–40 year olds. These values represent useful proxy values for recommending and modulating the intensity of ambulatory behavior and/or as measurement thresholds for processing accelerometer data.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov (NCT02650258).
Highlights
Objective monitoring of physical activity has quickly advanced since the millennium with the increasing and widespread availability of a variety of research- and consumer-grade wearable technologies
Cadence thresholds of 100 and 130 steps/min can serve as reasonable heuristic thresholds representative of absolutely-defined moderate and vigorous ambulatory intensity, respectively, in 21–40 year olds
At least six studies [6,7,8,9,10,11] have proposed a cadence of 100 steps/min as a reasonable heuristic threshold associated with absolutely-defined moderate intensity (3 metabolic equivalents, Metabolic equivalents (METs); 1 MET = 3.5 mL/kg/min of O2 consumption), which is the minimal level of intensity recommended in public health physical activity guidelines [12, 13]
Summary
Objective monitoring of physical activity has quickly advanced since the millennium with the increasing and widespread availability of a variety of research- and consumer-grade wearable technologies. At least six studies [6,7,8,9,10,11] have proposed a cadence of 100 steps/min as a reasonable heuristic threshold (evidence-based, practical, rounded value) associated with absolutely-defined moderate intensity (3 metabolic equivalents, METs; 1 MET = 3.5 mL/kg/min of O2 consumption), which is the minimal level of intensity recommended in public health physical activity guidelines [12, 13]. Further investigation is required to confirm this heuristic threshold in a purposefully sex-and-age structured sample, and to consider other cadence thresholds across a broader spectrum of MET-determined levels of intensity up to and including vigorous intensity (i.e., 3, 4, 5, and 6 METs) This information is critical to providing a minimally processed and translatable objectively monitored metric with established intensity thresholds across the lifespan. Previous studies have reported that walking cadence (steps/min) is associated with absolutely-defined intensity (metabolic equivalents; METs), such that cadence-based thresholds could serve as reasonable proxy values for ambulatory intensities.
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