We aimed to validate urban training routes in public parks of different intensities by assessing the physiological response when walking along trails in older adults.
We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 10 self-reported healthy older adults. A multidisciplinary team (physiotherapists, pulmonologists, sports science experts, and urban planners) identified public spaces following the recommendations of the WHO, the Urban Training project and the Healthy Cities movement. In each space, we measured all urban elements of intensity (stairs, ramps, and types of pavement). We identified 3 trails of different intensity (low, medium, and high) in the selected public park. Additionally, each circuit was walked at different cadence (110, 120, and 130 steps/min). We measured oxygen consumption (VO2) to estimate the energy expenditure of each route on different trails.
Ten participants (8 women) completed the circuits with a mean age of 65.3±3.3 years, weight of 63.2±4.1 kilograms, height of 1.57±0.08 meters, and BMI of 25.7±2.0 kg/m2. The VO2/kg was 12.7±0.95, 15.0±1.7, and 17.3±1.98 ml/kg/min (p0.001), the minute ventilation was 24.7±2.15, 30.3±4.6, and 37.0±6.7 L/min (p=0.001), and the energy expenditure was 235±30, 281±37, and 327±50 kcal/h (p0.001) respectively for the low, medium, and high-intensity circuits.
The three circuits with different intensities, designed with variations in urban infrastructure and walking cadence, showed significant physiological differences in older adults.
This study highlights the potential of urban parks as accessible interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour in older adults, benefiting public health. By offering validated training routes of different intensities, these spaces can encourage regular physical activity that can be used to create tailored physical activity programs that suit the varying physical abilities of older adults, enhancing rehabilitation and preventive care.
Older adults
Public parks
