Work

Individualized walking cadence thresholds of moderate to vigorous intensity for Taiwanese obese young adults

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Given the altered gait patterns and metabolic demands in obese individuals, population-specific cadence thresholds (steps per minute) are essential for accurate intensity classification and effective exercise prescription. This study examined the relationship between body composition and Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA) cadence in obese individuals and establish cadence thresholds for moderate-intensity physical activity (MPA) (3 metabolic equivalents [METs]), MPA young (moderate-intensity physical activity for young adults, 4.8 METs), and vigorous physical activity (VPA) (6 METs). A total of 48 obese young adults participated in this study. The VO 2 was collected at rest in seated position for 10 min, followed by an incremental walking exercise at 3.2, 4.0, 4.8, 5.6, and 6.4 km/h with 5 min duration in each stage. Walking cadence and oxygen consumption were recorded and converted to steps per minute and METs. Body fat significantly related to 3 METs cadence in male ( R ² = 0.156, p < .05). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) models demonstrated a good discrimination (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.85–0.88 in males, 0.82–0.89 in females). The optimal cadence thresholds for males were 114 steps/min for MPA (positive predictive value [PPV]: 96.97%, negative predictive value [NPV]: 47.30%), 119 steps/min for MPA young (PPV: 50.94%, NPV: 95.40%), and 124 steps/min for VPA (PPV: 21.21%, NPV: 99.07%). In females, the optimal cadences were 115 steps/min for MPA (PPV: 98.08%, NPV: 36.96%), 125 steps/min for MPA young (PPV: 68.75%, NPV: 93.94%), and 131 steps/min for VPA (PPV: 38.10%, NPV: 98.70%). The effect of body fat percentage on gait adjustment mechanisms during MPA are different between genders in Taiwanese young adults. A practical cadence target range is 119–124 steps/min for males and 125–131 steps/min for females, based on the 4.8- to 6-METs thresholds; cadences within these ranges increase the likelihood of exceeding 3 METs. ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT06883253 (Retrospectively registered on March 19, 2025, for a study conducted between November 15, 2017, and November 8, 2018).

Source: BMC Public Health

DOI: 10.1186/s12889-025-24805-7