Date of Award

2014

Rights

Access is available to all users

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS) in Physical Education: Exercise Science

Department

Physical Education, Health and Recreation

First Advisor

Dr. Wendy Repovich

Second Advisor

Dr. Christi Brewer

Third Advisor

Dr. Karen Carlberg

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if any difference in Calorie expenditure and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) exists when walking on the Curve or a motorized treadmill. Recruitment of participants was done through recruitment flyers placed on campus. After indicating interest, participants’ eligibility was determined by the PAR-Q and being unfamiliar with walking on the Curve. Twelve participants volunteered for the study (five males, seven females). The mean age of participants was 22.58 years ± 2.31 and mean weight was 76.96kg ± 16.19. On testing days, each participant was fitted with a polar heart rate monitor and the K4 b2 metabolic gas analyzer (K4). The order of tests was randomly assigned. The warm up consisted of walking at 3 MPH until steady state heart rate was reached which took approximately three minutes. The actual test consisted of walking at 3 MPH for 10 minutes on each treadmill. Oxygen consumption was collected on a breath-by-breath basis by the K4. Calorie expenditure was reported using the formula of one liter of Oxygen consumed equals five Calories. Calorie expenditure was then totaled over 10 minutes. RPE was obtained during the last minute of each exercise bout. To determine whether there was a significant difference in Calorie expenditure and RPE while walking under the two conditions, two paired samples t-tests were performed. Alpha level was set at p ≤ .05. The results of the t-tests showed a significant increase in Calorie expenditure (t = 17.73, p < .0001) and RPE (t = 5.45, p = 0.0002) while participants walked on the Curve. This study confirmed the Curve advertisement that someone walking on the Curve will burn more Calories than someone walking on a treadmill at the same speed.

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