Comparison of caloric expenditure in intermittent and continuous walking bouts.

Journal Article (Clinical Trial;Journal Article)

This study compared the caloric expenditure of 30 consecutive minutes (30 minute) of moderate intensity walking with 3 intermittent 10-minute bouts (3 x 10 minutes) of moderate intensity walking in healthy, unfit men (40-49 years). Screening consisted of VO(2)max testing, which was measured using the Balke graded exercise test. Criteria for participation in this study included a measured VO(2)max less than 33.8 ml.kg(-1).min(-1) (<25th percentile for cardiorespiratory fitness). Twenty men participated in this study. Testing consisted of 4 trials with a minimum of 5 days between each trial. The 30-minute and 3 x 10-minute bouts were each performed twice to measure test-retest reliability. Once reliability was found, the 2 30-minute and the 2 3 x 10-minute trials were averaged for further data analyses; t-tests showed no significant differences in energy expenditure between 1 continuous 30-minute and the 3 x 10-minute walking bouts at 274 and 279 kcal (p = 0.09), respectively. Thus, 3 x 10-minute intermittent walking bouts throughout the day are equally beneficial, in terms of caloric expenditure, as 1 30-minute continuous walking bout.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Peterson, MJ; Palmer, DR; Laubach, LL

Published Date

  • May 2004

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 18 / 2

Start / End Page

  • 373 - 376

PubMed ID

  • 15142005

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 1064-8011

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1519/R-12822.1

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States