Abstract
Hiking is a popular physical activity that many people participate in regardless of skill level. Trekking poles have been used to improve stability and balance over difficult terrain. They add an additional point of contact with the ground, and have been believed to make the hike more comfortable, enjoyable, and requiring less effort. PURPOSE: To determine if the use of trekking poles while hiking impacts subjective measures of exertion, enjoyment, and fatigue. METHODS: 11 recreationally active adults (n=6 males, n=5 females, aged 20-39 yrs) completed three hikes, one with each pole condition (no trekking poles, 1 pole, or 2 poles) randomly assigned. The hike consisted of a ~10 min. uphill and ~10 min. downhill hike on the same trail for each condition. Participants were given three subjective data questionnaires at baseline and upon completion of each hike (BORG CR-10 RPE measuring perceived exertion, the PACES-S measuring the participant’s enjoyment, and the VAS-F measuring feelings of fatigue). Data were analyzed using a one-way repeated measures ANOVA, followed by a post-hoc Tukey test, p<0.05. RESULTS: ANOVA for the BORG CR-10 RPE and VAS-F measures indicated differences between pole conditions (p<0.0001). Post hoc evaluation revealed that exertion (RPE baseline: 0.4±0.4 AU, no pole: 3.1±1.0, 1 pole: 2.8±0.7, 2 poles: 2.7±1.1) and fatigue (VAS-F baseline: 8.9±12 AU, no pole: 41.0±8.5, 1 pole: 38.0±12, 2 poles: 37.0±15) were significantly elevated following all 3 pole conditions compared to baseline, with no differences for either measurement across the pole conditions. The PACES-S indicated no significant differences, including baseline (19.0±1.7 AU) and any of the trekking pole conditions (no pole: 17.0±3.4, 1 pole: 16.0±4.0, 17.0±3.0, p=0.251). CONCLUSIONS: Use of trekking poles does not significantly impact subjective measures of exertion, enjoyment or fatigue. Predictably, only the BORG CR-10 RPE and VAS-F tests, which measured perceived exertion and fatigue, were significantly elevated from baseline for all pole conditions, but pole conditions had no differences between them. Enjoyment scores, as measured by PACES-S, were not impacted whether poles were used or not. Among young, healthy adults, the use of trekking poles has no impact on feelings of exertion, enjoyment, or fatigue.
Recommended Citation
Erkelens, Katie; Gines, Josie; Hoag, Bethany; McArthur, Kavon; Lawrence, Marcus; and Taylor, Julie
(2025)
"The Impact of Trekking Poles on Subjective Measures of Exertion, Enjoyment, and Fatigue during Outdoor Hiking in Healthy Adults,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 14:
Iss.
5, Article 82.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol14/iss5/82