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.

Cardiovascular Benefits of Walking With Power Poles

November 7, 2009

The physiological response to walking with and without Power Poles on treadmill exercise.

Porcari JP, Hendrickson TL, Walter PR, Terry L, Walsko G. Department of Exercise and Sport Medicine, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, USA.

(Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport) Res Q. Exerc Sport 1997 Jun; 68(2): 161-6.

The physiological responses to walking with and without Power Poles™ were studied by Hendrickson (1993) and by Porcari et al. (1997). Power Poles are specially constructed, rubber-tipped ski poles designed for use during walking. Hendrickson’s study group consisted of sixteen fit women (VO2max 50 ml/kg/min) and men (59).

They did walk with and without poles on a treadmill with the speeds of 6-7,5 km/h. There were no differences in the responses between males and females. It was found that the use of poles significantly increased oxygen uptake, heart rate and energy expenditure by approximately 20% compared to the walking without poles in fit subjects.

In Porcari’s study on 32 healthy men and women walking with poles resulted in an average of 23% higher oxygen uptake, 22% higher caloric expenditure and 16% higher heart rate responses compared to walking without poles an a treadmill. RPE values averaged 1,5 units higher with the use of poles and the pattern of responses was similar for men and women.