Improving Strength Through Hiking Activities Among Males and Females

Virtual games are an example of a new technique to improve balance. This research is to assess gender differences in balance parameters and provide immediate feedback on the impact of walking. Method; No.30 female and No.34 male, aged 20 - 21 years, hiked every two days for 20 days, for several hours and involved elevation gain on uneven terrain, according to a present program. Isokinetic & isomeric force of knee extension & flexion were measured by using the Dynamometer Genu/Prima (Easy tech), in two testing sessions, before and after hiking program. In each testing session the force test was executed once. Results; Force index scores were used as indicators to define the difference. Hiking has positive effects on strength parameters and girls experience less improvement in strength parameters than boys. The force index score in isokinetic trial were increased 18.66% (p < 0.05) for the male group, 5.89% (p < 0.55) ns, and in the isometric force trial the index scores after hiking were increased 21.54% (p < 0.05) for the male group, 7.68% (p < 0.25) ns for the female. The work index (J) estimated after hiking were increased in both, male and female, respectively 14.44% (p < 0.05) for the male group, 6.78% (p < 0.35) the female group. Conclusion; Future research on the impact of hiking on motor skills and strength metrics would be helpful. It is necessary to conduct intervention research designed to assess the impact of hiking as a strength training method on enhancing motor abilities.