Increased hip flexion gait as an exercise modality for individuals with obesity

Exercise is a critical element for the management of body weight and improvement of quality of life of individuals with obesity. Due to its convenience and accessibility, running is a commonly used exercise modality to meet exercise guidelines. However, the weight-bearing component during high impacts of this exercise modality might limit the participation in exercise and reduce the effectiveness of running-based exercise interventions in individuals with obesity. The hip flexion feedback system (HFFS) assists participants in meeting specific exercise intensities by giving the participant specific increased hip flexion targets while walking on a treadmill. The resulting activity involves walking with increased hip flexion which removes the high impacts of running. The purpose of this study was to compare physiological and biomechanical parameters during an HFFS session and an independent treadmill walking/running session (IND).

Heart rate, oxygen consumption (VO₂), heart rate error, and tibia peak positive accelerations (PPA) were investigated for each condition at 40% and 60% of heart rate reserve exercise intensities.

VO₂ was higher for IND despite no differences in heart rate. Tibia PPAs were reduced during the HFFS session. Heart rate error was reduced for HFFS during non-steady state exercise.

While demanding lower energy consumption compared to running, HFFS exercise results in lower tibia PPAs and more accurate monitoring of exercise intensity. HFFS might be a valid exercise alternative for individuals with obesity or individuals that require low-impact forces at the lower limbs.