Energetics and Mechanics of Steep Treadmill Versus Overground Pole Walking: A Pilot Study

Purpose: To compare energetics and spatiotemporal parameters of steep uphill pole walking on a treadmill and overground. Methods: First, the authors evaluated 6 male trail runners during an incremental graded test on a treadmill. Then, they performed a maximal overground test with poles and an overground test at 80% (OG80) of vertical velocity of maximal overground test with poles on an uphill mountain path (length = 1.3 km, elevation gain = 433 m). Finally, they covered the same elevation gain using poles on a customized treadmill at the average vertical velocity of the OG80. During all the tests, the authors measured oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide production, heart rate, blood lactate concentration, and rate of perceived exertion. Results: Treadmills required lower metabolic power (15.3 [1.9] vs 16.6 [2.0] W/kg, P = .002) and vertical cost of transport (49.6 [2.7] vs 53.7 [2.1] J/kg·m, P < .001) compared with OG80. Also, oxygen uptake was lower on a treadmill (41.7 [5.0] vs 46.2 [5.0] mL/kg·min, P = .001). Conversely, respiratory quotient was higher on TR80 compared with OG80 (0.98 [0.02] vs 0.89 [0.04], P = .032). In addition, rate of perceived exertion was higher on a treadmill and increased with elevation (P < .001). The authors did not detect any differences in other physiological measurements or in spatiotemporal parameters. Conclusions: Researchers, coaches, and athletes should be aware that steep treadmill pole walking requires lower energy consumption but same heart rate and rate of perceived exertion than overground pole walking at the same average intensity.

Benefits of a Pole Walking Program Offered by Community Organizations on Physical Fitness, Psychological Well-Being, and Cognitive Function Among Older Adults

The authors examined the effects of a 12-week pole walking program on function and well-being in 123 older adults aged 60 years and older, recruited by community organizations. The results showed a significant improvement in the participants’ upper and lower limb strength in the experimental groups compared with those in the control groups (p < .05) and a significant deterioration in the walking speed and grip strength in women in the control groups compared with those in the experimental groups (p < .05). Although not statistically significant, the results also showed a trend toward greater improvement in global cognitive function in the participants in the experimental groups (p = .076). These results suggest that a pole walking program provided in natural conditions can improve physical capabilities in older adults. Other studies are warranted to further explore the impact of pole walking programs on older adults offered in such conditions, especially their impact on cognitive functions.