Speed and Exercise Intensity of Recreational Walkers

Background. Brisk walking has been identified as an activity suited to meet American College of Sport Medicine/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for moderate intensity exercise (55–69% HRmax, 40–59% VO2R). However, little is known about whether recreational walkers self-select a pace which elicits this intensity and how they interpret the term “brisk walking.” Methods. The walking speed of 82 adults was covertly observed in a public park. Fifty-nine of these participants demonstrated their interpretation of “brisk walking” and the speed was noted. Eleven of these subjects subsequently walked on a treadmill at their observed and “brisk walk” speeds. Heart rate (HR), respiratory gases, and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured. Results. Mean observed and “brisk” walking speeds were 1.56 ± 0.17 m · s−1 and 1.79 ± 0.19 m · s−1 respectively (P ≤ 0.001). Mean exercise intensities during the treadmill test (n = 11) were 59.0 ± 13.4% VO2max and 67.3 ± 11.6% HRmax for the observed speed (1.60 + 0.24 m · s−1). The brisk speed (1.86 ± 0.12 m · s−1) equated to 68.6 ± 14.9% VO2max and 78.5 ± 15.5% HRmax. Conclusion. The speed and intensity selected by this group of walkers meets current recommendations for moderate intensity exercise. Instructing individuals to “walk briskly” prompts more vigorous activity.