Differences in Treadmill and Indoor Walking on Level Ground: Investigation of Physiological Responses and Rating of Perceived Exertion

• Published in: Rigaku ryoho kagaku Vol. 13; no. 4; pp. 199 - 204
• Main Authors: NISHIDA, YUSUKE, KEIRI, HIDEKI, HIGUCHI, KENJI
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Society of Physical Therapy Science 1998
• Subjects: physiological response; rating of perceived exertion (RPE); walking
• ISSN: 1341-1667; 2434-2807
• DOI: 10.1589/rika.13.199

With 10 healthy males (average age 23.9±4.8 years) as subjects, treadmill and indoor walking on level ground were compared from the standpoints of physiological response and rating of perceived exertion (RPE), as fundamental research into their practical applications for people having cardiorespiratory disorders. At each of the velocities of 4, 6 and 8 km/hr, the measured parameters were: heart rate (HR), oxygen uptake (VO2), oxygen uptake per unit body weight (VO2/W), walking rate, stride length and RPE. VO2 of indoor walking was estimated by a regression method using HR and VO2 obtained in treadmill walking. The results were that, the load on the body was greater in treadmill walking than in indoor walking, as shown in the higher values of HR, VO2 and RPE. Also, in both treadmill and indoor walking the body received a load greater than RPE. It is thought that the above results, obtained with healthy subjects, will be of use for future research in which persons with cardiorespiratory disorders are subjects.