Self-Paced Walking within a Diverse Topographical Environment Elicits an Appropriate Training Stimulus for Cardiac Rehabilitation Patients
Authors: Faulkner J, Gerhard J, Stoner L, Lambrick D
Year: 2012
Source: Rehabilitation Research and Practice 2012:5 pages.
Abstract: Purpose. To assess the effect of a self-paced walking intervention within a topographically varied outdoor environment on physiological and perceptual markers in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) patients. Methods. Sixteen phase II CR patients completed twelve self-paced one-mile walking sessions over a four-week period within a community-based CR programme. Walking velocity, heart rate (HR), and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were reported at eight stages throughout the self-paced walks. Results. The study showed a significant increase in walking velocity from week 1 (~4.5?km/h) to week 4 (~5.1?km/h) of the self-paced walking programme ( P < .05 ). A significantly higher HR was also observed in week 4 ( 111 ± 13 ?b·min?1; ~69% of maximal HR) compared to week 1 ( 106 ± 14 ?b·min?1; ~65% of maximal HR, P < .001 ). There were no changes in the average RPE across the course of the 4-week self-paced walking programme ( P > .05 ). Conclusion. A self-paced walking programme may elicit an appropriate training stimulus for CR patients when exercising within a diverse topographical environment. Participants completed a one-mile walk within a shorter period of time and at a higher physiological intensity than that elicited at the onset of the programme, despite no observed changes in participants' subjective perception of exertion. Abstract originally from the Hindawi Publishing Corporation. Reprinted with permission under a Creative Commons Attribution license.
Institution: j.faulkner@massey.ac.nz. School of Sport and Exercise, Massey University, Private Bag 756, Wellington 6140
Language: English
Subject headings: Cardiac disorders, Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation research
Geographic areas: New Zealand, Oceania