THE PHYSIOLOGICAL-RESPONSES TO WALKING WITH AND WITHOUT POWER POLES(TM) ON TREADMILL EXERCISE

Power Poles((TM)) are specially constructed, rubber-tipped ski poles d esigned for use during walking Using Power Poles((TM)) simulates the a rm motion of crosscountry skiing, thus increasing the muscle mass used during walking. This study investigated the potential increases in ex ercise intensity and energy cost associated with the use of walking-po les. Thirty-two apparently healthy volunteers (16 men and 16 women) be tween the ages of 19 and 33 years participated. Each completed a tread mill maximal oxygen consumption (VO(2)max) test and two randomly assig ned, submaximal walking trials (one with poles and one without poles) on separate days. Each walking trial was conducted on a level treadmil l, for 20 minutes, at an identical self-selected pace. Expired gases, heart rate in beats per minute (bpm), and ratings of perceived exertio n (RPE) were recorded each minute. Results between trials were compare d using repeated measures analysis of variance and Tukey's Post hoc te sts. It was found that walking with poles resulted in an average of 23 % (4.4 ml . kg(-1). min(-1)) higher VO2, 22% higher caloric expenditur e (1.5 kcal . min(-1)), and 16% (18 bpm) higher heart rate responses c ompared to walking without poles on a treadmill. RPE values averaged 1 .5 units higher with the use of the poles, and the pattern of response s between conditions was similar for men and women. It is concluded th at the use of Power Poles((TM)) can increase the intensity of walking at a given speed and, thus, may provide additional training benefits t o walkers.