Recreational Hikers Research Articles

Users’ recreation choices and setting preferences for trails in urban forests in Nanjing, China

With increased demand for outdoor recreational spaces, it is imperative to understand the experience of recreational hikers. This study explored users’ recreation choices and behavior-based setting preferences for certain trails in one forest park. Using on-site intercept surveys, a total of 1019 samples were collected from users of hiking trails and greenways in Purple Mountain Forest Park, Nanjing, China. The results from multiple regressions revealed that visitors’ recreation choices for trail settings, companions, and activities were associated with personal attributes, usage patterns, visitor motivations, and their preferences for the trail’s landscape attributes. The findings provide insights for the design and maintenance of trail settings in forest parks to satisfy the needs of various recreational hikers.

Incidence and predictors of severe altitude illness symptoms in Mt. Kilimanjaro hikers: a prospective cohort study.

Each year several Mt. Kilimanjaro hikers die due to altitude illness (AI) although urgent descent is technically easily possible. The objectives of this study were to determine the incidence and predictors of severe altitude illness (SAI) symptoms and of summit success in Mt. Kilimanjaro hikers, and the measures taken when AI symptoms develop. A prospective observational cohort study in Mt. Kilimanjaro hikers was conducted from December 2019 until March 2020. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire at the entrance gate and one at the descend gate. A multivariate logistic regression was performed to study the relations between the variables. A total of 1237 recreational hikers and 266 porters or guides were included. The incidence of severe symptoms was 8.6% in recreational hikers and 1.5% in porters and guides. One percent (1.1%) of hikers was hospitalized due to SAI. A history of SAI, young age, summit failure and lack of clear advice predicted the development of severe symptoms. Uhuru peak was reached by 87.9% of the hikers. Absence of severe symptoms, acetazolamide prophylaxis, climbing higher in daytime, young age and climbing in more days predicted summit success. The majority climbed further despite the presence of mild or severe symptoms. The only measure taken in case of mild symptoms that was associated with a lower incidence of severe symptoms was not climbing further. The incidence of SAI symptoms in Mt. Kilimanjaro hikers was observed to be high. However, how hikers reacted during symptoms was not appropriate. Therefore, travel health counsellors should emphasize even more that hikers do not ascend higher until mild symptoms have resolved and that it is vital to descend immediately when severe symptoms develop. In addition, they can be informed on the measures, which improved summit success.

The Effect of a Backpack Hip Strap on Energy Expenditure While Walking.

Objective To examine the effect of backpack hip strap use on walking energy expenditure while carrying a loaded backpack. Background Previous studies have demonstrated that energy cost increases as the mass of the load carried increases. However, few investigations have focused on backpack carriage design. Methods Fifteen young, healthy, male subjects walked at a self-selected pace for 10 minutes in two backpack loading conditions: with a hip strap (strapped) and without a hip strap (nonstrapped). Oxygen consumption (VO2), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and heart rate (HR) were monitored throughout each 10-minute trial. Change scores from the 4th to 10th minute were calculated for each variable. A t test was used to evaluate the difference between conditions for each variable. Results The changes in VO2 (-0.62 ± 0.40 vs. 0.33 ± 0.23, p = .04) and RPE (1 ± 0.25 vs. 2 ± 0.21, p < .01) from the 4th to the 10th minute were different for the strapped versus nonstrapped condition. There was no difference in the change in RER (0.04 ± 0.01 vs. 0.03 ± 0.01, p > .05) or HR (3.53 ± 0.93 vs. 4.07 ± 1.39, p > .05) for the strapped versus unstrapped condition. Conclusions Wearing a hip strap reduced the energy expenditure and perceived exertion in as little as 10 minutes of walking compared to the nonstrapped condition. Future work should consider the effect of a hip strap on these variables while hiking for extended periods. Application Wearing a hip strap may increase the comfort and reduce the energy required of wearing a backpack. This is useful information for backpack designers, military personnel, and recreational hikers.

History of Migraine Predicts Headache at High Altitude.

Using a cross-sectional survey design, a convenience sample of 667 hikers participated in a written survey after descent from Mount Gray/Torreys (4349 m). Headaches were characterized as migraine, high altitude headache (HAH), and/or acute mountain sickness (AMS) using International Headache Society Lake Louise AMS scoring criteria. A univariate odds ratio was calculated to determine whether a history of migraine increased the risk of migrainous headache. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess whether a priori identified risk factors such as age, sex, recent alcohol consumption, home elevation, and self-reported fluid intake and whether summit success increased the risk of any headache at altitude. Sixty percent of hikers were male with an age range of 17-62 years. Eighty percent reached the summit of Mount Grays/Torreys (4349 m). Seventy-nine percent of participants resided in Colorado; the median elevation of residence for subjects was 1697 m (interquartile range 1557-1765 m). HAH occurred in 39% of hikers, while AMS occurred in 26% of hikers. A history of migraine was associated with increased risk of any headache at altitude (OR: 2.49, 95% CI: 1.62-3.65) and was strongly associated with the development of migrainous headache while at altitude (OR: 14.05, 95% CI: 5.49-35.93). A history of migraine is a risk factor for the development of headache at altitude and is strongly associated with the development of migrainous headache.

Los visitantes del Parc Natural de l’Alt Pirineu y la práctica de actividades recreativo-deportivas. una propuesta de segmentación

In recent years there has been a large increase in the practice of recreational and sports activities in protected natural areas. As part of the planning and management of public use of these areas, is essential to a deeper understanding of the characteristics of the visitors. This study analyzes the characteristics of the different segments of visitors to Alt Pirineu Natural Park based on recreational and sports activities practiced. For this study, 1.600 surveys were conducted in 16 sampling points over a calendar year between the months of July 2010 and June 2011. In total we identified eight segments of visitors based on physical activity: walkers, recreational hikers, hikers, mountaineer, cyclists, mushroom picker, off road driver and skier. The results obtained here are discussed in terms of their possible applicability in the management of public use of this park and other protected natural areas and also for the development of management strategies and awareness campaigns aimed at different segments of visitors.

Effects of prolonged load carriage on ground reaction forces, lower limb kinematics and spatio-temporal parameters in female recreational hikers

The effect of load carriage on female recreational hikers has received little attention. This study collected lower limb sagittal plane kinematic, spatio-temporal and ground reaction force (GRF) data from 15 female hikers carrying four loads (0%, 20%, 30% and 40% body weight (BW)) over 8 km. Increasing load resulted in a proportional increase in GRF up to 30% BW, increased stance time, and greater mediolateral impulse with 30% and 40% BW. Also seen were decreased velocity and cadence and increased double support and knee flexion when carrying load compared to no load. Increased distance resulted in increased knee flexion and ankle plantar flexion at initial foot–ground contact. It was concluded that, as load mass and distance increased, female hikers modified their gait to attenuate the lower limb impact forces. When carrying 30% and 40% BW loads, however, the changes aimed at attenuating the higher GRF may result in a less stable gait. Practitioner Summary: Limited research has investigated the biomechanical responses of female recreational hikers to prolonged load carriage. This study provides a better understanding of the effects of increasing load on lower limb kinematics, spatio-temporal parameters and the GRF generated by female hikers during prolonged load carriage. The results have implications for the development of load carriage guidelines to minimise the risk of injury to females who carry backpacks and to improve performance for this population.

Does load position affect gait and subjective responses of females during load carriage?

Recreational hikers carry heavy loads while often walking long distances over uneven terrain. Previous studies have suggested that not only the load mass but also the position of the load may influence load carriage. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of vertical load position on gait and subjective responses of female recreational hikers. Fifteen experienced female hikers walked for 2 km over a simulated hiking trail carrying 30% BW in three vertical load positions (high, medium and low). Lower limb and trunk kinematic, electromyography (EMG) and ground reaction force (GRF) data were collected together with heart rate (HR), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and discomfort measures. Although HR, RPE and discomfort measures were not able to discern statistical differences between load positions, the high load position was the most preferred by participants. The high load position also resulted in a more upright posture ( p < 0.001), decreased gastrocnemius integrated EMG compared to the medium ( p = 0.005) and low load positions ( p = 0.02) and a higher first peak deceleration vertical GRF compared to the low load position ( p = 0.011). However, the absolute differences were small and unlikely to be functionally relevant in load carriage studies. Based on the findings of this study, a high, medium or low load position cannot be preferentially recommended for healthy, experienced, female hikers carrying 30% BW.

Backpack load affects lower limb muscle activity patterns of female hikers during prolonged load carriage

This study investigated the effect of prolonged load carriage on lower limb muscle activity displayed by female recreational hikers. Electromyography (EMG) signals from vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF), semitendinosus (ST), tibialis anterior (TA) and gastrocnemius (GM) were recorded for fifteen female hikers carrying four loads (0%, 20%, 30% and 40% body weight (BW)) over 8 km. Muscle burst duration, muscle burst onset relative to initial contact and integrated EMG signals (iEMG) were calculated to evaluate muscle activity, whereas the shift in mean power frequency (MPF) was used to evaluate muscle fatigue. Increased walking distance significantly decreased the MPF of TA; decreased the iEMG for VL, ST and GM; and shortened VL muscle burst duration. Furthermore, carrying 20–40% BW loads significantly increased VL and GM iEMG and increased BF muscle burst duration, whereas a 40% BW load caused a later VL muscle burst onset. The differences observed in muscle activity with increased load mass seem to be adjustments aimed at maintaining balance and attenuating the increased loads placed on the lower limbs during gait. Based on the changes in muscle activity, a backpack load limit of 30% BW may reduce the risk of lower limb injury for female hikers during prolonged walking.

Effect of load mass on posture, heart rate and subjective responses of recreational female hikers to prolonged load carriage

Load carriage has been associated with a risk of upper and lower limb musculoskeletal disorders with women suffering significantly higher injury rates than their male counterparts. Despite this injury risk, there are limited evidence-based guidelines for recreational hikers, particularly female recreational hikers, regarding safe backpack loads. The purpose of the present study was to determine how variations in load mass affected the heart rate, posture and subjective responses of women during prolonged walking to provide evidence for a load mass limit for female recreational hikers. Heart rate (HR), posture and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and discomfort were collected for 15 female experienced recreational hikers (22.3 ± 3.9 years) while they hiked for 8 km at a self-selected pace under four different load conditions (0%, 20%, 30% and 40% of body weight (BW)). Although HR was not significantly affected by load mass or walking distance, increasing load mass and distance significantly affected posture, RPE and discomfort of the upper body. Carrying a 20% BW load induced significant changes in trunk posture, RPE and reported shoulder discomfort compared to the unloaded condition. The 20% BW load also resulted in a mean RPE rating of ‘fairly light’, which increased to ‘hard’ when carrying a 40% BW load. As load carriage distance increased participants reported significantly increased shoulder, neck and upper back discomfort. Based on the changes to posture, self-reported exertion and discomfort when carrying loads of 20%, 30% and 40% BW over 8 km, it was concluded that a backpack load limit of 30% BW should be recommended for female recreational hikers during prolonged walking.

A Shape Memory Alloy Energy Absorber for Backpack Design

Individuals employed in specific recreational, occupational, and military pursuits often carry heavy loads, using variety of pack systems. Recreational hikers and backpackers commonly carry subsistence and comfort items in backpacks. Firefighters, foot soldiers, and other emergency personnel carry extremely heavy backpack loads and walk longer distances than most of their civilian counterparts. It is shown that the physiological strain in terms of heart rates increases considerably when a user carries a load of more than 10.4 kg. Besides, additional stains are induced due to improper ergonomic design of backpacks' structures, which generate unbalanced loads to the user. Since shape memory alloys (SMAs) possess superior form-setting capability and pseudo-elastic properties, which in turn are perfect materials as a damper at the temperature above their austenite finish temperature (A f ), embedding an ergonomically-designed SMA energy absorber based on the users' motion, physiological, and ergonomic information into backpacks' structures is able to alleviate these excess strains for sporty and military applications. In this regard, this article presents the feasibility of using a specially designed SMA energy absorber for imbedding into shoulder belts of backpacks to alleviate the dynamic stress imposed onto shoulder of the backpackers. Our experimental results revealed that a certain amount of energy generated from the weight of the backpack can be absorbed by the absorber, which eventually can reduce the risk of fatigue and pain imposed on the backpackers.

Prevalence of Acute Mountain Sickness in the Eastern Alps

Little information is available on the prevalence of acute mountain sickness (AMS) in the Eastern Alps compared with the Western Alps. Because of differences regarding the populations of mountaineers, we hypothesized that the prevalence differs between the Eastern and Western Alps. Thus, we determined the prevalence and risk factors of AMS at four different altitudes in the Eastern Alps of Austria. Four hundred and thirty-one recreational hikers were studied using questionnaires on the morning of their first night at high altitude. A diagnosis of AMS was based on a Lake Louise Score > or =4, the presence of headache, and at least one additional symptom. Overall 16.2% of the subjects met the criteria for AMS, and the prevalence of AMS increased significantly with altitude (2200 m: 6.9%; 2500 m: 9.1%; 2800 m: 17.4%; 3500 m: 38.0%). Heavy perceived exertion, a history of migraine, the absolute altitude reached, little mountaineering experience, and inadequate water intake (< or =2 L) were independent AMS risk factors. The reported altitude-related AMS prevalence in the Western Alps is 4% to 8% lower compared with that found in this study for the Eastern Alps. In conclusion, the prevalence of AMS is higher in the tourist population of the Eastern Alps compared to the more experienced mountaineers of the Western Alps. Consideration of easily modifiable risk factors such as individual exertion and water intake could markedly reduce AMS and contribute to the enjoyment of mountaineering.

Recreation Conflict and Sport Hunting: Moving beyond Goal Interference towards Social Sustainability

Sport and recreational conflict in natural areas arises from growth in the diversity of, and demand for, nature-based sport activities and recreation pursuits. The social sustainability of such activities within a tourism context should recognize that conflicts between different users are complex and dynamic, not simply the result of goal interference or competition for scarce resources. This paper critically explores the complexities of sport hunting and recreational conflict using quantitative and qualitative techniques implemented on Stewart Island, New Zealand. The empirical research points to an ambiguity of feelings and attitudes concerning the relationship and potential/real conflicts between sport hunters and recreational hikers. While some reportedly experienced actual conflict, quantitative methods did in fact highlight many common elements of motivation and environmental values that are shared by both hunters and hikers. Interviews and participant observations highlighted three key elements of the outdoor sport/recreation experience that provide potential for conflict. These included user group characteristics, hut behaviour/etiquette and the use of firearms/killing of animals. We propose that conflict is an integral part of society and hence considerable effort should focus on accurately understanding conflict situations. The results support the need for management based on integration rather than segregation, and may be viewed as a move away from reactive management based on relatively isolated instances of goal interference, towards a social sustainability paradigm founded upon a nuanced understanding of conflict phenomena.

Barcode of Life

The article discusses the possibility of using small DNA samples to identify different species of plants and animals. The need for a more detailed form of taxonomic diagnosis to replace morphology-based systems of classification is mentioned. The many applications of a scanning system that works similarly to barcodes are noted, including possible use by shipment inspectors, recreational hikers, or scientists. INSETS: STREAMLINED GENETICS;THE UNIQUE CHALLENGE OF PLANTS;BARCODING IN THE REAL WORLD;PARSING BUTTERFLIES

Trekking Poles Increase Physiological Responses to Hiking Without Increased Perceived Exertion

Trekking poles are used by hikers for improved stability and lowered leg fatigue due to increased upper body muscle involvement. However, the weight of the poles and exaggerated upper body movement when using poles may increase total energy expenditure at a given walking speed. Few studies have investigated the physiological responses of hiking with trekking poles outside the laboratory setting. The purposes of this study were to determine if trekking poles altered physiological responses to hiking on varied terrain, and whether responses between trials were dependent on the grade of the terrain. Fourteen recreational hikers completed four hiking trials over a course that included sustained sections of flat (0 +/- 1% grade), steep uphill (>10% grade), gradual uphill (5% grade), gradual downhill (-5% grade) and steep downhill (<-10% grade) terrain. Subjects walked at a self-selected speed that was matched across trials using time-splits and a metronome. Two trials were conducted with hiking poles and two without poles. [latin capital V with dot above]O2 was significantly elevated (p <0.05) during the pole trials (1502.9 +/- 510.7 ml/min) compared to the no-pole trials (1362.4 +/- 473.2 ml/min). Similarly, ventilatory efficiency ([latin capital V with dot above]E) (43.1 +/- 9.6; 38.3 +/- 10.1 L/min) and heart rate (HR) (112.1 +/- 9.7; 105.7 +/- 10.4 bt/min) were significantly higher during the pole trials than the no-pole trials. However, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) was not altered by pole condition (8.5 +/- 0.7; 8.4 +/- 0.8). Comparisons within each grade revealed significantly higher physiological responses for [latin capital V with dot above]O2, [latin capital V with dot above]E and HR in the pole-condition at all grades, with no significant variable*grade interactions. RPE measures were not significantly different between pole trials at any grade. These data suggest that trekking poles may be a beneficial tool for increasing caloric expenditure, as energy production increased during exercise without increased perceptions of effort.

Polar Activity Watch 200: a new device to accurately assess energy expenditure

ObjectivesEnergy expenditure (EE) based on movement detection is calculated by a new device, the Activity Watch 200 (AW200). The aim of this study was to validate EE measured by this...

Backpack load positioning and walking surface slope effects on physiological responses in infantry soldiers

The primary purpose of this study was to survey a sample of infantry soldiers to determine their preferred backpack load distribution. The second objective was to examine the effect of backpack load position, walking speed and surface grade on the physiological responses of infantry soldiers. In the first phase of the study, analysis of 500 questionnaires indicated that backpack item arrangement was typically determined by convenience and habit. About 33.6% and 30.6% of the soldiers reported placing heavier items in the lower and higher positions, respectively. In the second experimental phase of the study, five male infantry soldiers who had completed basic training (including 30 km tactical road march) each performed eight treadmill walking bouts at one of two speeds (i.e., 3.2 and 6.4 km/h) and two surface grades (0% and 6%) carrying 15% of their body weight in a backpack with two chambers (upper and lower). Respiratory frequency, minute ventilation, oxygen consumption and heart rate were recorded using the Quark pulmonary system. The MANOVA results indicate that the effect of walking speed was strongly significant for all physiological indices. In addition, as might be expected, walking on a 6% grade was associated with higher oxygen consumption and heart rate compared to level going. In terms of load position, the mean respiratory frequency was significantly higher where the load was carried in the upper position. Furthermore, there was a significant interaction between load position and walking grade on oxygen consumption. Where participants were walking at zero incline, there was no significant difference in mean oxygen consumption. By contrast, the mean oxygen consumption was significantly higher where loads were carried in the upper position and negotiating the 6% grade. Previous research has found that, ideally, load carriage should complement stability, bringing the load's center of gravity as close to the body as possible and making use of the larger muscles. However, carrying heavy loads close to the trunk can affect lung function. Thus, load placement is an important factor in physiological response to load carriage, and optimum choice of upper or lower position when distributing items in a backpack may be dependent on the walking grade. Relevance to industry The need to carry heavy loads for long distances is common to a range of human endeavor, with physical transport used by soldiers, various types of workers and recreational hikers. Load distribution and walking gradient are important factors in terms of the efficiency of load carriage and should be taken into consideration in both the design and loading of backpacks. Thus, the findings of the present study will be relevant to infantry soldiers, mountain climbers or of manual material handling (MMH) in industry, providing practical implications for tasks associated with exposure to uneven walking/working surfaces.

Chilkoot: An Adventure in Ecotourism

A trail book unlike any other, Chilkoot: An Adventure in Ecotourism is a richly woven insight into the Chilkoot Trail and the region straddling the American-Canadian border in the Alaska and British Columbia. The authors present the trail in three interrelated parts. They begin by describing the trail as a classic example of modern ecotourism with reference to management practices and user expectations, responses, and satisfaction. Then they show the amazing history of the trail. They conclude with an illustrated presentation of their own experiences. The Chilkoot has a long and varied history: it was an important trade route of the coastal Tlingit people; it attracted worldwide notoriety during the frantic Klondike Gold Rush days; and now it has an international reputation among recreational hikers. Today, Chilkoot is an icon. It is thirty-three miles (53 km) of dense forest, rugged mountain, golden sand dune, rushing river, and sylvan lake settings stretching from Alaskan salt tidewater to freshwater Lake Bennett at the headwaters of the Yukon River in British Columbia. Rich in natural and cultural history and protected entirely as parkland, the Chilkoot forms a major portion of the extensive Klondike Gold Rush International Historical Park.

Hyponatremia in recreational hikers in Grand Canyon National Park

Symptomatic hyponatremia has been reported in athletes participating in marathon and ultra-marathon events. We report four cases of symptomatic hyponatremia in hikers in the Grand Canyon. These are the first cases reported in recreational hikers in a wilderness setting. The overall fluid status of these patients is not well defined. In most instances this probably represents dilutional hyponatremia from sweat loss replaced with plain water. Recreational wilderness participants may require electrolyte replacement similar to endurance athletes.