Applicability of pedometry and accelerometry in the calculation of energy expenditure during walking and Nordic walking among women in relation to their exercise heart rate

• Published in: Journal of Physical Therapy Science Vol. 27; no. 11; pp. 3525 - 3527
• Main Authors: Nawrocka, Agnieszka, Mynarski, Władysław, Polechoński, Jacek
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan The Society of Physical Therapy Science 01.11.2015
• Subjects: Accelerometer; Energy expenditure; Nordic walking; Original; Accelerometer; Energy expenditure; Nordic walking
• ISSN: 0915-5287; 2187-5626; 2187-5626
• DOI: 10.1589/jpts.27.3525

[Purpose] The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of pedometry and accelerometry in the measurement of the energy expenditures in Nordic walking and conventional walking as diagnostic parameters. [Subjects and Methods] The study included 20 female students (age, 24 ± 2.3 years). The study used three types of measuring devices, namely a heart rate monitor (Polar S610i), a Caltrac accelerometer, and a pedometer (Yamax SW-800). The walking pace at the level of 110 steps/min was determined by using a metronome. [Results] The students who walked with poles covered a distance of 1,000 m at a speed 36.3 sec faster and with 65.5 fewer steps than in conventional walking. Correlation analysis revealed a moderate interrelationship between the results obtained with a pedometer and those obtained with an accelerometer during Nordic walking (r = 0.55) and a high correlation during conventional walking (r = 0.85). [Conclusion] A pedometer and Caltrac accelerometer should not be used as alternative measurement instruments in the comparison of energy expenditure in Nordic walking.