What is the Minimum Step Rate Required to Achieve Moderate-Intensity Walking Overground in Adolescent Girls?

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Pediatric Health
• Physical Activity Research

Background:

• Limited evidence exists on step rates for moderate-intensity physical activity (MPA) in adolescent girls.
• Promoting walking requires understanding the step rate needed for health-enhancing intensities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the step rate equivalent to MPA in adolescent girls.
• To investigate how anthropometric measures affect the step rate for MPA in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• 56 adolescent girls participated, with assessments of anthropometrics and resting metabolic rate.
• Participants completed overground walking trials at varying speeds (2, 3, 4 mph).
• Oxygen uptake (METs) and step count were measured during trials.

Main Results:

• Linear regression indicated 120 steps per minute corresponds to MPA (3 METs).
• This equates to approximately 7200 steps per hour.
• Weight and maturity were significant predictors of METs (P < .01).

Conclusions:

• A population-level recommendation of 120 steps per minute may support MPA in adolescent girls.
• Caution is advised due to the study's small sample size.
• Individual factors like age and weight are important for achieving MPA.