The effects of twelve weeks of walking or exerstriding on upper body muscular strength and endurance

[摘要] This study determined potential changes in upper bodymuscular strength and endurance as a result of walking withthe use of specially designed walking poles (Exerstriders).Ninety-two inactive females, 20-49 yrs, volunteered toparticipate in the study. Ss were randomly assigned to oneof three groups: Exerstriders (E), who walked using theExerstriders; Walkers (W), who participated in aconventional walking program; and Controls (C). E and Wparticipated in a supervised 12-week walking program,exercising 4 days per week, for 20-45 min per session, at70-85% of maximal HR. Ss were assessed for upper bodymuscular strength and endurance before and after training.Strength (lb) was assessed using 1-RM tests for tricepspushdown and a modified lateral pulldown exercise. Toassess muscular endurance, Ss performed a 1 min bout ofalternating arm pulls on a modified Biokinetic Swim Benchapparatus. Total work output (kpm) was used as thecriterion measure. Changes in muscular strength andendurance were analyzed with repeated measures ANOVA andTukeyls post-hoc tests. E had sig (pc.01) increase (37%) inmuscular endurance from pre to posttesting, which wasgreater than the non sig (p>.01) increases shown by W (14%)and C (5%). There were no sig (p>.Ol) changes in pushdownor pulldown strength in any group. It would appear thatalthough Exerstriding can result in substantial increases inmuscular endurance, it may not provide sufficient stimulusto increase strength. A longer training period may beneeded to alter this parameter.

[发布机构] University of Wisconsin

[效力级别] Exercise for women - Physiological aspects

[关键词] Arm - Muscles;Exercise for women - Physiological aspects;Walking - Physiological aspects;Muscle strength