Research

Effects Of 12Weeks Of Walking Or Exerstriding

A. Karawan, J.P. Porcari, N.K. Butts, A.M. Postmus, L. Stoughton, & J. Larkin.

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise Supplement to VOL. 24, NO.5, May 1992

The purpose of this study was to determine potential changes in the upper body strength and endurance as a result of walking with the use of specially designed walking poles (Exerstriders).  Ninety-two inactive females, 20-59 yrs, volunteered to participate in the study.  The subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups:  Exerstriders (E), who walked using the Exerstriders; Walkers (W), who participated in a conventional walking program; and Controls (C).  E and W participated in the supervised 12-week walking program, exercising 4 days per week, for 30-45 min per session, at 70-85% of maximal HR. 

The subjects were assessed for upper body strength assessed using 1 RM tests for triceps pushdowns and a modified (palms up) lat pulldown exercise.  To assess endurance, the subjects performed a 1 minute bout of alternating arm pulls on a modified Isokinetic Swimbench apparatus.  Total work output (kgm) was used as the criterion measure.  Changes in strength and endurance were analyzed with repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc tests.

E had in a significant (p<.05) increase (38%) in endurance from pre to post testing, which was greater than the non significant (p>.05) increases shown by W (14%) and C (5%).  There were not significant (p>.05) changes in the pushdown or pulldown strength in any group.  It would appear that although Exerstriding can result in substantial increases in muscular endurance, they may not provide sufficient stimulus to increase strength.  A longer training period may be needed to alter this parameter