STRIDE: Stepping Rate and Intensity in Different Environments

The purpose of this study was to examine whether physically inactive adults (<150 minutes/week) can maintain a moderate-intensity stepping cadence (≥100 steps/min) during a 10-minute walk across two outdoor environments: campus and garden. Stepping cadence and heart rate were measured in each condition during the 10-minute walk. Results showed that participants were able to maintain a moderate intensity cadence in both outdoor conditions, with no statistically discernible differences between the campus and garden walks. Average heart rate was significantly higher in the outdoor conditions compared to the treadmill, with statistically discernible differences observed between treadmill and campus, and treadmill and garden conditions. Although participants reached moderate intensity based on heart rate reserve, participants did not sustain moderate intensity for the duration of the walk. Overall, these findings suggest that physically inactive adults can achieve and maintain a moderate intensity cadence when walking in different outdoor environments.