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Effect of Front-Panel Support during Inclined Treadmill Walking

Abstract

Hoover, K., Peterson, M., Timmons, K., Mason, S., Venters, E., Crehan, L., McKenzie, J.A., and McCole, S.D. Department of Exercise Science & Physical Education, McDaniel College, Westminster, MD

Purpose: The study’s purpose was to determine the effect of front-panel support during inclined treadmill walking. Methods: Healthy, physically active females (n=10) and males (n=10) each performed a VO2max test on a treadmill and two 30-min bouts of inclined treadmill walking, one with the arms holding onto the front panel of the treadmill (FPS) and one using a normal arm swing (NAS) at least 48 hours apart. Walking tests consisted of 10 min on a level grade followed by a 4% increase in grade every 5 min. A walking speed that elicited 50% of a participant’s VO2max was used throughout each test. VO2, cardiac output (CO), RER, BP, and RPE were measured throughout each test. Arteriovenous O2 difference (a-v O2 diff) was calculated from VO2 and CO data using standard calculations. Each test was preceded by 10 minutes of rest for measurement of baseline values. VO2, RER, and energy expenditure (kcal) were measured using a calibrated ParvoMedics TrueOne metabolic system every 15 s throughout the test. CO was determined every 10 s via impedance cardiography (Physioflow Enduro). Values were analyzed for significant differences (p< 0.05) between trials using paired t-tests. Results: All data reported as mean ± SEM. Participants averaged 24 ± 1 yr, 76.5 ± 4.3 kg and 1.73 ± 0.02 m with a VO2max of 49.4 ± 2.1 mL/kg/min. Baseline values were not significantly different (p > 0.05) between the walking tests. VO2 was significantly lower in FPS (21.9 ± 0.9, 25.5 ± 1.0, and 30.9 ± 1.3 mL/kg/min) compared to NAS (26.1 ± 0.8, 33.6 ± 1.0, and 41.9 ± 1.6 mL/kg/min) for 4%, 8%, and 12% grade, respectively. Q was significantly lower in FPS (13.1 ± 0.7, 14.6 ± 0.8, and 17.0 ± 1.2 L/min) compared to NAS (16.2 ± 1.1, 19.7 ± 1.3, and 23.7 ± 1.4 L/min) for 4%, 8%, and 12% grade, respectively. a-v O2 diff was not significantly different between trials at any intensity. RER was significantly lower in FPS only during the last two stages of the test (0.84 ± 0.01 and 0.82 ± 0.02) compared to NAS (0.86 ± 0.02 and 0.88 ± 0.02). Energy expenditure (kcal) was significantly lower in FPS (40 ± 2, 46 ± 3, and 55 ± 4) compared to NAS (48 ± 3, 60 ± 4, and 74 ± 5 for 4%, 8%, and 12% grade, respectively). Conclusion: The use of FPS significantly reduced the metabolic and cardiovascular cost of inclined treadmill walking.

Research supported by the McDaniel College Student-Faculty Collaborative Summer Research Fund

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