Brisk walking, how do we feel about it?

Exercise scientists at Southern Cross University’s Department of Exercise Science and Sport Management are conducting a study looking at how people feel about – and respond to – walking for exercise.

“Physical activity is very important as mortality in Australia could be reduced by 30-40 percent if the current national physical activity guidelines were met,” said Dr Wendy Gilleard, a lecturer in biomechanics who is conducting the research with Rosanne Coutts, a lecturer in sports and exercise psychology.

“Walking is a great way to exercise and the guidelines say to walk at a brisk pace, but how do we feel about it?

“We are interested in a person’s physical response and how they feel when they walk at a brisk pace and whether this is different to walking at their normal pace.”

The study will be conducted at the Lismore campus on the sports oval.

Participants will be asked go for two walks with a researcher. There will be a rest in-between walks. Information on energy used and how people walk will be collected by wearing special small sensors that send information back to a computer. Information on feelings and mood will also be collected by completing simple questionnaires before and after the walks. Overall, the whole test will take about one hour.

“We are inviting women of all shapes and sizes, aged 20-50, to go for a walk. Women who are short, average, or tall, of average weight or significantly overweight, are all welcome to contact us,” Dr Gilleard said.

If you would like to participate or would like further information please contact Dr Wendy Gilleard or Rosanne Coutts. Their contact details are wendy.gilleard@scu.edu.au or 66203501 and rosanne.coutts@scu.edu.au
or 6620 3235. The project has been approved by the Southern Cross University Ethics Committee.

Photo: Dr Wendy Gilleard wants to know how you feel about brisk walking.