None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This research aims to measure the effects of a six-week weighted walking program on lower limb strength. It will also assess the effects on cardiorespiratory and other musculoskeletal fitness indicators and effects associated with exercising in nature. Findings from this research could inform exercise prescription for weighted walking with potential improvements to population health outcomes. It is hypothesized that the 6-week weighted walking program will lead to significant improvements in both musculoskeletal strength and cardiorespiratory fitness in physically active adults
Interventions
This research aims to measure the effects of a six-week weighted walking program on lower limb strength, body composition and aerobic capacity/performance.
The intervention is carrying a weighted backpack while walking 6km twice per week under the supervision of a qualified exercise physiologist. each session is expected to take 60-90 minutes to complete.
The weight carried will be prescribed based on Leg Press Weight Ratio score (LPWRs), which is determined by dividing maximum weight pushed
This research aims to measure the effects of a six-week weighted walking program on lower limb strength, body composition and aerobic capacity/performance. The intervention is carrying a weighted backpack while walking 6km twice per week under the supervision of a qualified exercise physiologist. each session is expected to take 60-90 minutes to complete. The weight carried will be prescribed based on Leg Press Weight Ratio score (LPWRs), which is determined by dividing maximum weight pushed in the leg press (kg) by participant’s body weight (BW)(kg). Participant LPWR scores will be compared against the American Col-lege of Sports Medicine’s leg press standards by sex and age (ASCM, 2022, p98). The carrying load prescribed for participants will be based on their LPWR, as follows: • participants in the below average category (<50% LPWR by age and sex) will be prescribed 10%BW, • participants in the average category (51-75% LPWR by age and sex) will be prescribed 12.5%BW, and • participants in the above average category (>80% LPWR by age and sex) will initially carry 15%BW. Participants will participate in two supervised group walks per week at the Tahbilk eco-trail (6kms) in Nagambie, Victoria, for a period of 6 weeks. session attendance will be recorded tom monitor adherence.
Sponsors
La Trobe University
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Intervention model
Single group
Primary purpose
Educational / counselling / training
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 85 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Participants eligible for the study will be physically active adults (18-64 years) and older adults (65 years +), with no medical contra-indication to perform exercise, including musculoskeletal, neurological or cardiorespiratory illness. Participants will currently meet the National Physical Activity Guidelines for aerobic fitness (i.e. 75 min of vigorous exercise or 150 min of moderate intensity exercise or an equivalent combination of moderate-vigorous exercise per week),
Exclusion criteria
Participants who have participated in resistance training two or more times per week within three months prior to the study will be excluded. Participants will be excluded if they present with a medical contra-indication to perform exercise, including musculoskeletal, neurological or cardiorespiratory illness.
Outcome results
None listed