Title | Walking cadence (steps/min) and intensity in 21-40 year olds: CADENCE-adults. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2019 |
Authors | Tudor-Locke, C, Aguiar, EJ, Han, H, Ducharme, SW, Schuna, Jr, JM, Barreira, TV, Moore, CC, Busa, MA, Lim, J, Sirard, JR, Chipkin, SR, Staudenmayer, J |
Journal | Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act |
Volume | 16 |
Issue | 1 |
Pagination | 8 |
Date Published | 01/2019 |
ISSN | 1479-5868 |
Abstract | BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported that walking cadence (steps/min) is associated with absolutely-defined intensity (metabolic equivalents; METs), such that cadence-based thresholds could serve as reasonable proxy values for ambulatory intensities. PURPOSE: To establish definitive heuristic (i.e., evidence-based, practical, rounded) thresholds linking cadence with absolutely-defined moderate (3 METs) and vigorous (6 METs) intensity. METHODS: In this laboratory-based cross-sectional study, 76 healthy adults (10 men and 10 women representing each 5-year age-group category between 21 and 40 years, BMI = 24.8 ± 3.4 kg/m) performed a series of 5-min treadmill bouts separated by 2-min rests. Bouts began at 0.5 mph and increased in 0.5 mph increments until participants: 1) chose to run, 2) achieved 75% of their predicted maximum heart rate, or 3) reported a Borg rating of perceived exertion > 13. Cadence was hand-tallied, and intensity (METs) was measured using a portable indirect calorimeter. Optimal cadence thresholds for moderate and vigorous ambulatory intensities were identified using a segmented regression model with random coefficients, as well as Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) models. Positive predictive values (PPV) of candidate heuristic thresholds were assessed to determine final heuristic values. RESULTS: Optimal cadence thresholds for 3 METs and 6 METs were 102 and 129 steps/min, respectively, using the regression model, and 96 and 120 steps/min, respectively, using ROC models. Heuristic values were set at 100 steps/min (PPV of 91.4%), and 130 steps/min (PPV of 70.7%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Cadence thresholds of 100 and 130 steps/min can serve as reasonable heuristic thresholds representative of absolutely-defined moderate and vigorous ambulatory intensity, respectively, in 21-40 year olds. These values represent useful proxy values for recommending and modulating the intensity of ambulatory behavior and/or as measurement thresholds for processing accelerometer data. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov ( NCT02650258 ). |
DOI | 10.1186/s12966-019-0769-6 |
Alternate Journal | Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act |
PubMed ID | 30654810 |
Grant List | 5R01AG049024 / / National Institute on Aging (US) / |