Evaluation of Average and Maximum Heart Rate When Hiking with Differing Numbers of Trekking Poles

Hiking is an evergrowing activity, and trekking pole sales were valued at $0.75 billion in 2023 and are projected to reach $1.41 billion by 2030. The trekking pole industry is growing and our laboratory group conducted a study on the physiological responses and perceptual measurements associated with hiking with or without trekking poles. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of trekking pole usage (no poles, 1 pole, and 2 poles) on average and maximum heart rate when hiking. METHODS: Eleven participants (F=5) hiked the Rocky Peak Trail in the Three Peaks Recreation Area in Cedar City, UT (elevation gain = 120m, moderate trail rating); however, two participants did not have accurately recorded HR data. Therefore data from nine participants (F=5) were analyzed. Demographic characteristics: Age = 25.67 (6.95) years (mean [standard deviation]), ht = 174.98 (12.28) cm, mass = 76.46 (13.23) kg. Maximum HR and average HR were measured in bpm using the Polar H10 chest strap. Each participant did three twenty-minute hikes, ten minutes uphill and ten minutes downhill. One hike was performed with no trekking poles, one hike with one trekking pole, and one hike with two trekking poles. The order of hikes was randomized. Data were analyzed by taking the average of each participant’s average and maximum HR for no poles, one pole, and two poles, both uphill and downhill. Data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA between conditions (no poles, 1 pole, 2 poles), and effect size of eta squared interpreted as 0.01 = small, 0.06 = medium, and 0.14 = large. RESULTS: No effect of hiking poles was observed for average heart rate in uphill (no poles = 168±14, 1 pole = 169±14, 2 poles = 168±14, p = 0.97, eta squared = 0.003) or downhill hiking (no poles = 149±18, 1 pole = 148±15, 2 poles = 146±16, p = 0.91, eta squared = 0.008). Similarly, no effect of hiking poles was observed for maximal heart rate with uphill (no poles = 184±11, 1 pole = 184±11, 2 poles = 182±12, p = 0.92, eta squared = 0.007) or downhill hiking (no poles = 179±13, 1 pole = 177±10, 2 poles = 176±13, p = 0.91, eta squared = 0.007). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that hiking with zero, one, or two poles has no effect on average and maximum heart rate for both uphill and downhill hiking. People who enjoy hiking can utilize hiking poles without any significant change to their heart rate response.