Cardiovascular Responses During Downhill Treadmill Walking at Self-Selected Intensity in Older Adults

Abstract

Cardiovascular responses of older adults to downhill (DTW, -10% incline) and level treadmill walking (0%) at self-selected walking speed (SSWS) were examined. Fifteen participants (age 68 ± 4 yr, height 1.69 ± 0.08 m, body mass 74.7 ± 8.1 kg) completed two 15-min walks at their SSWS (4.6 ± 0.6 km/hr). Cardiovascular responses were estimated using an arterial-volume finger clamp and infrared plethysmography. Oxygen consumption was 25% lower during DTW and associated with lower values for stroke volume (9.9 ml/beat), cardiac output (1.0 L/min), arteriovenous oxygen difference (a-vO, diff, 2.4 ml/L), and systolic blood pressure (10 mmHg), with no differences in heart rate or diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure. Total peripheral resistance (TPR) was higher (2.11 mmHg) during DTW. During downhill walking, an exercise performed with reduced cardiac strain, endothelial changes, and reduced metabolic demand may be responsible for the different responses in TPR and a-vOi diff. Future work is warranted on whether downhill walking is suitable for higher risk populations.

Acute effect of uphill and downhill treadmill walk on cardiovascular response and perceived exertion in young sedentary individual

“…A recent study has reported that downhill walk resulted in an increased total peripheral resistance and hence DBP, compared to level walking. [11] However, comparison of the DBP after an uphill walk to that of a downhill walk yielded a statistically non-significant result in the present study. In addition, compared to some of the previous studies, [11,15] accentuated HR and slightly lower SBP response was obtained in our study.…”

“…[11] However, comparison of the DBP after an uphill walk to that of a downhill walk yielded a statistically non-significant result in the present study. In addition, compared to some of the previous studies, [11,15] accentuated HR and slightly lower SBP response was obtained in our study. "Cardiovascular drift" phenomenon can explain the variation in HR, SBP, and DBP reported in our result.…”

“…[11,15] However, due to wide variation in subject characteristics, training/exercise modalities, and protocol as well as measurement techniques, it is tough to compare our results directly with that of the previous studies.…”

“…A previous study reported that downhill walk at −10% grade results in lesser cardiovascular demands as compared to level treadmill walking. [11] Thus, the downhill treadmill walk can enhance physical well-being without causing undue cardiovascular and physical stress. It could be substantial for persons initiating an exercise program but have a low tolerance to the exertion.…”

Gradual downhill running improves age‐related skeletal muscle and bone weakness: implication of autophagy and bone morphogenetic proteins

“…The downhill exercise damages more muscle than concentric exercise, but it produces a greater muscle force and muscle growth factors in ageing (Gault et al . ; Mueller et al . ).…”