Want to walk for science?

Currently, researchers are seeking volunteers to be involved in an exercise study investigating the effects of walking while carrying a weighted backpack.

The study will look into the effects of a six-week weighted walking program on cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal fitness, and body composition in physically active adults.

Holsworth Biomedical Research Centre and La Trobe Rural Health School researcher Nicola McKeown said the study aimed to measure the effects of weighted walking on lower-limb strength, body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness in adults.

“The primary goal is to determine whether adding external load to walking can serve as an effective, accessible intervention to improve muscular strength and body composition,” she said.

As an avid walker, Nicola recently discovered ‘rucking’, which is walking while carrying a weighted backpack.

Research shows that carrying additional weight increases muscular demand, potentially enhancing strength, balance and body composition.

However, while existing research has demonstrated improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness with rucking, the effects on muscle strength and body composition are less known.

“This study aims to explore the potential for prescribing weighted walking as a targeted intervention for individuals who may benefit from increased muscular strength, including older adults, those recovering from injury, or individuals at risk of sarcopenia,” Nicola said.

“By investigating its efficacy, we hope to inform future guidelines and recommendations for integrating weighted walking into public health strategies and clinical exercise prescription.”

If you’re interested in improving your health and fitness, being a volunteer in this study could benefit you.

All volunteers need to be over the age of 18, without a medical reason to exercise, and currently do at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week (including walking) or at least 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week.

Please note that if you have undertaken strength training twice or more per week for the past three months, you cannot be part of the study.

“The results of the study will be shared both with participants and publicly,” Nicola said.

“Once the study is complete and the data has been analysed, the findings will be submitted to a peer-reviewed scientific journal so they can contribute to a broader knowledge base and potentially inform future exercise recommendations.

“Participants will also be offered a personalised summary of their own results, including information about their pre- and post-trial strength, fitness and body composition.”

If you volunteer for this research study, you will be required to participate in a series of health and fitness tests at La Trobe University’s Bendigo campus on three occasions.

It will require you to participate in two walks per week for two weeks (unweighted), followed by two walks per week for a six-week weighted walking program, under the supervision of an exercise scientist, at the Tahbilk Wetlands Eco-Trail, Nagambie.

All in all, you will need to commit to about 24 hours of time to participate, across eight weeks.

“This study is exciting as it connects physical activity health research with a nature-based, community setting in a small regional town,” Nicola said.

“As this research will be conducted at the Tahbilk Wetlands Eco-Trail in Nagambie, it provides an opportunity for people living in and around the area to participate in research aimed at improving health and fitness outcomes and could help shape future fitness recommendations.

“This focus on rural and regional health is important, as opportunities for individuals to participate in research and access to structured exercise programs is often limited.

“What makes this study unique is that it explores a simple, accessible form of exercise — weighted walking — that could help people improve both strength and aerobic fitness at the same time.”

The project will start mid-August — if you are interested in participating, contact Nicola McKeown at the La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo campus via email at n.mckeown@latrobe.edu.au or phone 0410 355 595.