Nordic Walkers To Make Big Impact – Vancouver Sun Run 2010

February 3, 2010

Press Release - VANCOUVER SUN RUN

 A UNIQUE FITNESS TREND GAINING MOMENTUM LIKE A STEAM ENGINE.

 Nordic walkers aim to make a big impact at 2010 Sun Run

YOUR COMMUNITY STORY

 Move over Sun Run runners and walkers. You’ll need to make room for a throng of Nordic walkers this year!

SportMedBC in partnership with Urban Poling Inc. has seen a rapid expansion in this year’s Sun Run Nordic Walking InTraining clinics as popularity for this unique fitness trend grows rapidly across British Columbia. Growth from 3 clinics in 2007 to 25 Sun Run InTraining clinics offering Nordic Walking in 2010, reflect how this low intensity, high aerobic workout is appealing to spirited walkers and elite runners.

Nordic Walking is now truly on the move within the Sun Run InTraining Leadership Community, … I’ve known it was only a matter of time before it would be like an incredible steam engine that would gain momentum and never stop… for walkers and runners alike! – says Lynn Kanuka, Olympic bronze medalist runner and SportMedBC’s RunWalk Coach.

 “We have seen an overwhelming response to Nordic Walking in our Sun Run InTraining program this year … The Sun Run was the first 10 kilometre event in Canada to accept participants with poles and now our InTraining programs offering Nordic Walking are expanding beyond our expectations”.

- says Lynda Cannell, President & CEO of SportMedBC

 “The initial success of Nordic Walking stems from it’s accessibility; with guidance and proper training, everyone can get inspired and achieve great results.”

- says Mandy Shintani, occupational therapist & Director of Urban Poling Inc.

 How Nordic Walking became a growing trend for the 2010 Sun Run InTraining Clinics  

 By opening your mind to different training modes like Nordic walking, you can keep your training fresh and enjoyable. – This is cross training at its best!

 “As a personal trainer and marathoner, I’ve personally seen how the use of poles achieves excellent strength building and toning results without the heavy joint wear and tear,” says Leah Stasiuk, local Vancouver fitness trainer

 “Nordic walking involves more muscles than regular walking, it burns substantially more calories.” And that’s good news for people who are interested in full body workout that results in weight loss” says Mandy Shintani, an occupational therapist and one of the leading Canadian experts on the health benefits of Urban Poling/Nordic Walking.

“The spark is alive and well at the Guildford Community centre in Surrey. – says Barrie Mills, Sun Run InTraining Clinic Coordinator.

 Local Company Joins Forces with SportMedBC and its Sun Run InTraining Program

Started in Vancouver……

Urban Poling Inc. co-founders, Mandy Shintani and Graham Watts are thrilled to be the training centre for SportMedBC’s Sun Run InTraining program leading up to the 2010 Vancouver Sun Run.  Mandy Shintani, is an occupational therapist in British Columbia who asserts that her company is dedicated to developing a state of the art Nordic walking training programs that she hopes will serve as an example to the rest of the country on how to use NW as a method for training and completing 10 kilometre and half marathon events.  

RECENT MEDIA ON URBAN POLING INC.

“It’s fun and easy to learn and it’s a growing fitness trend that promises to improve posture, while giving you a workout“ – Dr. Rhonda Low, CTV NEWS Vancouver, Sept. 14, 2009.

“Nordic walking is a happy medium between walking and knee-grinding running” – Says Sheila Brady- Ottawa Citizen, May 22, 2008.

 “Unlike that old universal gym languishing in the basement, nordic walking poles are an inexpensive and effective way to get the body moving and continuously improving” - Says Karen Gram – Vancouver Sun June 09, 2008

 Rodger Knight says urban poling can become “almost addictive.”  “Urban poling an intense workout improves cardio, muscle strength” – Says Kate Robertson – Toronto Star, Sept. 18, 2007.

ABOUT SPORTMEDBC

SportMedBC, a professional not-for-profit society comprised of sport medical and paramedical practitioners in British Columbia, promotes leadership, public awareness and education in the areas of sport medicine, sport science and sport training. For most active Canadians, SportMedBC comes to life through its Sport Training programs, including the SportMed RunWalk curriculum through the SunRun InTraining clinics offered throughout the Lower Mainland in and around Vancouver.

SportMedBC’s Sun Run InTraining clinics start the week of Feb 6, 2010 and run for 13 weeks. There will be a total of 65 Sun Run InTraining clinics offered throughout the province with 25 of these clinics offering Nordic Walking options. All Sun Run InTraining clinics, including those offering Nordic Walking are listed on www.sportmedbc.com.The SportMedBC Intraining clinics start on Feb 6, 2010 and run for 13 weeks.   All 25 clinics are listed on www.sportmedbc.com or by calling Tel: (604) 903-3886

ABOUT URBAN POLING INC.

Urban Poling Inc. is a Canadian company based in Vancouver. The co-owners are Mandy Shintani and Graham Watts. Mandy Shintani, an occupational therapist is considered one of the leading experts on the health and fitness benefits of Nordic walking in Canada. Urban Poling Inc. is manufacturer of the Urban Poling poles and also operates one of Canada’s largest certification centres. Urban Poling runs the only Nordic walking training centre in Canada that is recognized by these six fitness education organizations including:

• Can Fit Pro
• British Columbia Parks and Recreation
• Ontario Kinesiology Association 
• Manitoba Fitness Council
• Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association
• Alberta Fitness Leadership Certification Association

 www.urbanpoling.com

Contact Information:

Lynda Cannell
SportMedBC President & CEO
Tel: (604) 903-3885
lyndac@sportmedbc.com  

Lynn Kanuka
Bronze Olympian, SportMedBC’s RunWalk Coach &

Co-founder every WOMAN events
Cell:  (778) 891-7870
lynnk@sportmedbc.co

Mandy Shintani

Founder and Director

Urban Poling Inc.

Tel. (604) 990.7711

www.urbanpoling.com

mandy@urbanpoling.com

 Website. www.urbanpoling.com

Urban Poling – Changing The Way We Walk

December 12, 2009

Urban Poling – Changing The Way We Walk

Did you see a mysterious ski-less cross-country skier on your way to work this morning?

Don’t be fooled, this person knew exactly what she was doing. Urban poling – also called Nordic Walking or Poling, is a hot fitness trend quickly spreading throughout Canada.

If you like walking, you’ll love the fun and health benefits of urban poling! Increasing numbers of people are enjoying this user-friendly sport that combines the aerobic and strength building benefits of cross-country skiing with the convenience of walking. It has been popular in Scandinavia for over 20 years (maybe this is the true secret why the Swedes look and feel so good!).

For years, health care professionals have stressed the benefits of walking for personal fitness and well-being. Urban poling takes walking to the next level. Poling with specially designed urban poles provides a surprisingly impressive workout, engaging as much as 90% of the body’s muscles while improving posture, balance, and stability.

By using more muscles, more calories are burned — the Cooper Institute claims using poles can increase calorie expenditure by as much as 46 percent over regular walking. Using poles can increase cardio output by up to 25 percent over regular walking, so it’s an excellent fitness program to increase cardio-vascular fitness.

The growing trend of urban poling can be seen across Canada and throughout the Kitchener / Waterloo area and its popularity is attributed to the incredible workout that it provides.  Certified urban poling instructor, Helga Theissen who leads the Urban Poling Club for the City of Waterloo says.   “You develop your own rhythm or groove and, as you become confident, you can work as hard as you would like to.”   She says that people of all ages and fitness levels will benefit from this fun and social form of exercise.

Urban poling was introduced in Canada approximately four years ago by Vancouver-based occupational therapist, Mandy Shintani.

“The problem with just walking, even the athletic type of walking that I teach, is that even though you’re going extremely fast your upper body doesn’t get a workout,” Shintani says. “Your arms do virtually nothing. When you add the urban poles they give you this amazing upper body and core strengthening workout.

“What it means is when you finish your walk you don’t have to hit the weight room. You don’t have to get down and do ab crunches. You’ve got it all done in one nice package. With everyone so time crunched these days that’s really appealing.”

Many people ask well can I just use my ski poles and just start swinging them?

Like any sport, the true benefit to urban poling is based upon proper equipment and technique.

Shintani says “when we originally introduced the poles people would ask: ‘Why do I need specialized equipment?” The urban poles provide stability, minimize vibration and noise. If you’re an avid poler you get it why these things are important. It’s the same concept jogging — you wouldn’t do jogging in your dress shoes.”

The Urban Poles are effective due to the unique design of our poles – the patented ergonomic strapless handle and boot-like tip is what set us above other cross-country styled poles that have a hand strap. – says Shintani

Our ergonomic strapless handle on urban poles was carefully designed to most effectively exercise all the body’s major muscles and develop “core fitness” as you are poling! The grip and technique have a focus on core muscles strengthening described in detail in our instructional DVD.

Essentially, each time you swing your arm forward, you must plant your pole into the ground and as you walk through your stride you push off or ‘propel’ yourself forward. It is this motion that activates your core muscles.   Consider this, if you walk one mile with the poles you will achieve 1800 abdominal muscles contractions.

Whether you are looking for motivation to get off the couch, a way to optimize your current walking routine or for an effective cross-training alternative to yoga or pilates – urban poling may be for you!

Key facts about urban poling:

• 28% increased cardio workout
• Burn up to 46% more calories compared to ‘regular’ walking
• Core muscle strengthening
• Reduces stress on hips, knees & ankles
• Provides stability & balance
• Improves posture
• Resistance training

Easy to learn and suitable for people of all ages & fitness levels!

Learn about our complete line of Nordic walking poles and Nordic walking accessories. Or find a retail store new you!

Welcome Letter from Mandy Shintani

December 1, 2009

Walk Your Way to Better Health, Fitness & Vitality in Just 30 Minutes Per Day… Guaranteed!

Now, for as little as $0.27 per day, you can walk your way to better health, while getting a productive toning and strengthening workout… all WITHOUT spending long hours in the gym, installing expensive home gyms or buying into some crazy “fad” that is here today and gone tomorrow!

Dear Friend,

Congratulations on making the commitment to your health and well-being!

Welcome to UrbanPoling.com, your source for information and resources on one of North America’s fastest growing fitness trends – urban poling.

Urban poling, also known as “Nordic walking”, “fitness walking”, “walking with poles”, “power poles”, “pole walking” and “exerstriding” is a low-impact, full body workout that can be done literally anywhere you can find space to walk.

It’s Like Going Cross Country Skiing…
Without The Skis!

Here at Urban Poling, we’re as committed to your health and well-being as you are.  In fact, this website was specifically designed with YOU in mind!

We’ve done the research on the benefits of pole walking, specifically using the “Rutlin Technique” developed by pole walking pioneer Tom Rutlin in 1988.

Review the pole walking research data.

We’ve provided you with the basic instructions to use the Rutlin Technique so that you can achieve similar benefits for yourself, including increased energy, reduced joint pain and more!

When combined with our unique strapless handle Urban Pole design, this simple technique will allow your arms to transfer the majority of the work to the large muscles of your upper body and core.

And to make ordering your Urban Poles as easy as possible, you can choose to review our complete product line and order online today – or locate a retailer near you.

Please browse the UrbanPoling.com site to learn more about the powerful benefits Nordic walking can offer for you and your family.  If you have any questions about getting started that are not answered, please contact us and we’ll be more than happy to get you the answers you need.

Go Where The Poles Take You!

Sincerely,
Mandy Shintani

Pole Striding Improves Exercise Tolerance

November 11, 2009

PoleStriding Exercise and Vitamin E for Management of Peripheral Vascular Disease.

CLINICAL SCIENCES

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 35(3):384-393, March 2003.

Abstract:

COLLINS, E. G., W. E. LANGBEIN, C. OREBAUGH, C. BAMMERT, K. HANSON, D. REDA, L. C. EDWARDS, and F. N. LITTOOY.

Purpose:

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the efficacy of PoleStriding exercise (a form of walking that uses muscles of the upper and lower body in a continuous movement similar to cross-country skiing) and vitamin E ([alpha]-tocopherol) to improve walking ability and perceived quality of life (QOL) of patients with claudication pain secondary to peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Methods:

Fifty-two subjects were randomized into four groups: PoleStriding with vitamin E (N = 13), PoleStriding with placebo (N = 14), vitamin E without exercise (N = 13), and placebo without exercise (N = 12). The dose of vitamin E was 400 IU daily. Only the PoleStriding with vitamin E and PoleStriding with placebo groups received PoleStriding instruction and training. Assignment to vitamin E or placebo was double blind. Subjects trained three times weekly for 30-45 min (rest time excluded). Individuals in vitamin E and placebo groups came to the laboratory biweekly for ankle blood-pressure measurements.

Results:

Results of this randomized clinical trial provide strong evidence that PoleStriding significantly (P < 0.001) improved exercise tolerance on the constant work-rate and incremental treadmill tests. Ratings of perceived claudication pain were significantly less after the PoleStriding training program (P = 0.02). In contrast, vitamin E did not have a statistically significant effect on the subjects’ ratings of perceived leg pain (P = 0.35) or treadmill walking duration (P = 0.36). Perceived distance and walking speed (Walking Impairment Questionnaire) and perceived physical function (Rand Short Form-36) improved in the PoleStriding trained group only (P < 0.001, 0.022 and 0.003, respectively).

Conclusion:

PoleStriding effectively improved the exercise tolerance and perceived QOL of patients with PAD. Little additional benefit to exercise capacity was realized from vitamin E supplementation.

(C)2003The American College of Sports Medicine

Urban Poling Breast Cancer Shoulder Rehabilitation

November 11, 2009

Lisa K. Sprod, Scott N. Drum, Ann T. Bentz, Susan D. Carter, and Carole M. Schneider

The Effects of Walking Poles on Shoulder Function in Breast Cancer Survivors
Integr Cancer Ther, Dec 2005; 4: 287 – 293.

The incidence of breast cancer diagnosis is increasing, while the mortality rate is decreasing, leaving more survivors in need of rehabilitation.  Breast cancer treatment often results in impaired shoulder function, which may lead to a decrease in quality of life.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of walking pole use on shoulder function in women treated for breast cancer.  Participants were randomly placed in experimental (n=6) and control (n=6) groups for the eight week study.  The experimental group used walking poles during the aerobic portion of their workouts whereas the control group did not, while both groups participated in resistance training.

The experimental group showed significant improvement (p < .05) in muscular endurance of the upper body, measured by the bench press and lat pulldown exercises.  The data suggest that using walking poles for eight weeks significantly improved muscular endurance of the upper body in breast cancer patients following treatment

Positive Effects of Walking Poles on Knee Joint

November 11, 2009

The Effect of Walking with Poles on Gait Mechanics

J. Willson, M.R. Torry , M.J. Decker, H. Ellis, T. Kernozek, J.R. Steadman; University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse, Department of Physical Therapy; Steadman-Hawkins Sports Medicine Foundation, Vail, CO

The use of exercise poles during walking has been shown to increase O2 consumption, heart rate and respiratory exchange ratio. Walking poles have also been shown to increase static postural stability and suggested to reduce loading forces in the lower extremity during dynamic activities.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of exercise poles on walking mechanics. Gait analysis (video 60 Hz; force 1200 Hz) of the lower extremity was conducted on ten healthy adults (29 ± 5 yr., 177 ± 8 cm, 74 ± 8 kg) who completed ten trials of walking at their self self-selected speed with and without poles. An inverse dynamic analysis was used to calculate select kinetic variables.

Minimal verbal instructions on how to use the poles were given prior to testing.

A paired t-test was used to determine sagittal plane stance phase performance differences between conditions (µ = 0.05). Walking poles caused a significant increase in walking speed and stride length (p = 0.01). Stance time and knee ROM were unchanged (p = 0.06). The braking impulse of the A/P GRF was decreased 20% with the poles (p < 0.001) while the Fz GRF impulse decreased 4% ( p = 0.07).

Hip and ankle joint angular impulses were not statistically different between conditions (p > 0.11). Knee joint flexor and extensor angular impulses increased 18% (p = 0.01) and decreased 20% (p = 0.01), respectively. Although kinematic patterns were notably similar, the subtle changes in A/P and Fz GRF and knee joint kinetics may be considered beneficial over prolonged periods of exercise.

Podium presentation: Presented at American College of Sports medicine Annual Meeting, Vol 31, No 5, May, 1999.

Load Carriage Comparison Between Standard and Anti-Shock Trekking Poles

November 11, 2009

Load Carriage Force Production Comparison Between Standard and Anti-shock Trekking Poles

ISSN: 1543-9518
Bert H. Jacobson, Jennifer Kaloupek & Doug B. Smith

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

Purpose: To compare the use of standard, anati-shock, and no hiking poles on medio-lateral (Fx), anaterio-posterior (Fy) and vertical (Fz) ground reaction forces for the foot and hiking poles while during load carriage walking at 0% grade. Methods: Subjects were solicited from experienced backpackers who had used hiking poles for at least 5 years. Each subject was fitted with an 18 kg internal frame backpack and allowed to practice walking with and without hiking poles to a metronome cadence equal to a walking speed of 4.42 Km.hr-1. During each successful trial the subjects contacted a piezoelectric force plate positioned in the floor with the foot and contralateral hiking pole. Three trials were conducted in random order 1) without hiking poles (NP), 2) with standard (SP) hiking poles, and 3) with anti-shock (AP) hiking poles. For each trial the following data were recorded: 1) Medio-lateral (FFx), anterior-posterior (FFx), and vertical (FFz) ground reaction force for the foot medio-lateral (PFx), anterior-posterior (PFx), and vertical (PFx) pole forces. Results: No significant differences in foot reaction forces were found among the three conditions (NP, SP, and AP) for any of the recorded dimensions (medio-lateral, anterior-posterior, and vertical). Also, no significant differences in force parameters was evident between the two types of hiking poles. Conclusion: No significant weight transfer from lower to upper body was evident regardless of pole design indicating that dependency on hiking poles during load carriage walking on level ground is negligible.

The use of hiking or trekking poles has become popular with both the weekend recreational hiker as well as the serious hiker. As early as 1996, 49% of hikers in the Austrian and Italian Alps were using “trekking poles” (Rogers et al, 1995). Over the last few years, hiking poles have evolved from simple, single walking sticks to dual, spring-loaded, telescopic poles equipped with wrist straps and carbide tips. Manufacturers of hiking poles have made largely unsupported and anecdotal claims of the benefits of employing hiking poles while hiking. Such claims as extra balance, surer walking, and reduction of stress are common (Jacobson et al, 2000). The claim supporting “reduction of stress” on lower limbs (Haid and Koller, 1995; Wilson et al, 2001) stems from the belief that part of the load is transferred from the legs to the arms and shoulders Neurether, 1981).

Previous studies involving hiking poles have included mixed protocols. For instance, some hiking poles with such names as Exerstriders® and Power PolesT are marketed for the purpose of increasing fitness parameters and caloric expenditure rather than for hiking activity by suggesting exaggerated arm swing. In a study using Power PolesT, Porcari and associates (1997) measured selected physiological variables during a 20 minute treadmill test at self selected speed and grade and found significant increases in oxygen consumption (VO2), respiratory exchange, caloric expenditure, and heart rate. In another study Rodgers and associates8 found that using Exerstriders® while walking for 30 minutes, at 6.7 km.hr-1 on 0% grade with exaggerated arm swing significantly increased VO2, and HR by 12% and 9% respectively.

However, in two separate studies utilizing hiking poles in a traditional hiking manner and without excessive arm motion, both groups of researchers found no significant differences in oxygen consumption between pole and no pole use during a 1 hr, 5% inclined treadmill walk with a 22.4 kg backpack (Knight and Caldwell, 2000) or during a 15 min. inclined (10%-25%) treadmill walk while carrying a 15 kg back pack (Jacobson et al, 2000). Also Jacobson and associates (2000) found no differences in minute ventilation (VE) or caloric consumption (Kcal.min-1 ) between pole and no pole conditions. Some authors have found greater heart rate (Neurether 1981; Procari et al, 1997; Sklar et al, 2003) with pole use, while others have reported no significant differences in heart rate between pole and no pole use (Jacobson and Wright, 1998; Jacobson et al, 2000). It has been suggested that discrepancies in results may be due to the variations in research protocols among the studies.

While there is general agreement that hiking poles do not reduce energy utilization and may, if used in an exaggerated manner, increase energy utilization as illustrated by caloric consumption, ventilation, and heart rate. With respect to rating of perceived exertion (RPE), the predominance of literature (Jacobson and Wright, 1998; Jacobson et al, 2000; Knight and Caldwell, 2000) suggest that walking with hiking poles provide an impression of reduced exertion when compared to not using hiking poles. It is possible that the perception of reduced exertion when using hiking poles results from an increase in stability provided by the additional points of contact (Neurether, 1981). Jacobson and associates (1997) found that stability and balance was significantly improved with the use of both one and two hiking poles.

Early claims that hiking poles reduces the overall stress on the limbs by transferring the weight to the arms and ultimately to the poles (Haid and Koller, 1995; Unione Internazionale, 1994) were largely unsupported until recently. Schwameder et al (1999) examined external and internal loads on the knee joint during declined (25%) walking with and without hiking poles and found significant differences in peak and average magnitudes of ground reaction forces, knee joint movement, an dtibiofemoral compressive and shear forces with pole use. Wilson and associates (2001) found a decrease in average vertical ground reaction force (Fz) while using walking poles at self-selected speeds. This decrease in vertical ground reaction force was evident for two separate poling conditions when compared to using no poles.

The purpose of this study was to compare differences in load bearing, three dimensional foot and hiking pole ground reaction force between standard, anti-shock or no hiking poles while during 0% grade walking.

Muscular Endurance While Urban Poling

November 11, 2009

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

Energy Expenditure While Urban Poling

November 11, 2009

Energy expenditure during submaximal walking with Exerstriders.

Rodgers CD, VanHeest JL, Schachter CL.

Department of Physical Education and Exercise Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824-1049, USA.

This study was designed to determine whether Exerstriding, a modified form of walking using walking sticks (Exerstriders), resulted in an augmented cardiorespiratory response and a greater energy expenditure than when walking without Exerstriders.

Female subjects (23.6 +/- 4.0 yr; 58.5 +/- 5.5 kg) completed two randomly assigned trials of treadmill walking (6.7 km.h-1; 0% grade; 30 min.) with (Exerstrider (E)) and without Exerstriders (Control (C)). Mean oxygen consumption (E = 20.5 +/- 1.2 ml.min-1.kg-1; C = 18.3 +/- 2.5 ml.min-1.kg-1), heart rate (E = 132.5 +/- 19.2 beats.min-1; C = 121.5 +/- 21.2 beats.min-1) and respiratory exchange ratio (E = .82 +/- .03; C = .78 +/- .04) were significantly greater (P < or = 0.05) while walking with Exerstriders. Total caloric expenditure was also significantly greater during the Exerstrider condition (E = 173.7 +/- 20.9 kcal; C = 140.7 +/- 27.2 kcal.).

In contrast, the rating of perceived exertion did not differ significantly between the two conditions. These data suggest that Exerstriding provides a means to increase caloric expenditure during submaximal walking, a factor that may be of critical importance in enhancing health benefits–such as improved body composition and aerobic capacity–typically associated with walking programs.

Pole Walking Increases Calorie Expenditure

November 11, 2009

The Metabolic And Hemodynamic Response To The Use Of Exerstriders Vs Handweights During Walking

K. Williams, R. Landsman, R.M. Otto, FACSM, and J. Wygand

Human Performance Lab

Adelphi University – Garden City, NY 11530

(Sponsor: R.M. Otto, FACSM)

To evaluate the metabolic and hemodynamic response to the use of Exerstrider (E) walking poles versus 1.4 kg (3.09 lbs) handweights (H) versus walking (C), ten subjects engaged in twelve randomly assigned trails at speeds of 53.6 and 80.4 m/min, and grades of 9 and 5% on a motorized treadmill.  Energy cost was obtained by open circuit spirometry, blood pressure by auscultation, and heart rate by telemetry.

The following data were obtained:

VO2 (ml/kg-min)

HR (min)

Statistical analysis by ANOVA (P<.05) revealed significant differences between the control mode versus both Exerstrider and handweight trials.  No significant difference in minute ventilation, oxygen consumption, blood pressure, heart rate, or rating of perceived exertion was evident between E and H trials at matched workloads.  Moderate paced walking (53.6 and 80.4 m/min) with either Exerstriders or handweights requires approximately 20% greater calorie expenditure compared to standard walking at all workloads.

The use of Exerstrider poles may provide additional support for balance with a small but significant increased metabolic demand similar to the use of handweights at moderate walking speeds.

Next Page »