Energy cost of self-paced walking in obese adults [ 2004 - 2005 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Andrew Hills (Principal investigator) ,  Prof James Hill ,  Prof Nuala Byrne

Brief description There is increasing evidence that regular physical activity contributes considerably to better physical fitness and good health of individuals and nations. Unfortunately, many individuals in Australia are not regularly active. A sedentary lifestyle is associated with a higher risk of coronary heart disease, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. Physical activity guidelines encourage participation in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days of the week. Walking is one of the most common forms of physical activity undertaken by adults, however there is a relatively poor understanding of the physiological demands of this task. A better understanding of walking for people of different age, gender, size and shape would provide for improvements in the categorisation of intensity of physical activity for use in population measures of physical activity and exercise prescription for individuals who are obese. The aim of the proposed study is to assess the relationship between energy cost of walking and body composition of adults. The main purpose is to consider how people of different age, gender, size and shape manage self-paced walking relative to maximal capacity. The energy cost of walking is an important determinant of a person's functional capacity, physical fitness and health status. The main outcomes of the study: An increased knowledge and understanding of the energy expenditure of self-paced walking relative to maximal aerobic power; More reliable assessment of physical activity status using a variety of commonly employed indirect assessment techniques; A comprehensive understanding of the inter-individual differences in walking characteristics based on age, gender or body fatness; A better understanding of the energy cost of walking and the subsequent promotion of this form of physical activity has potential to impact on the health of Australians, particularly those who are sedentary and overweight or obese.

Funding Amount $AUD 224,000.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant