The Impact of Trekking Poles on Subjective Measures of Exertion, Enjoyment, and Fatigue during Outdoor Hiking in Healthy Adults

Hiking is a popular physical activity that many people participate in regardless of skill level. Trekking poles have been used to improve stability and balance over difficult terrain. They add an additional point of contact with the ground, and have been believed to make the hike more comfortable, enjoyable, and requiring less effort. PURPOSE: To determine if the use of trekking poles while hiking impacts subjective measures of exertion, enjoyment, and fatigue. METHODS: 11 recreationally active adults (n=6 males, n=5 females, aged 20-39 yrs) completed three hikes, one with each pole condition (no trekking poles, 1 pole, or 2 poles) randomly assigned. The hike consisted of a ~10 min. uphill and ~10 min. downhill hike on the same trail for each condition. Participants were given three subjective data questionnaires at baseline and upon completion of each hike (BORG CR-10 RPE measuring perceived exertion, the PACES-S measuring the participant’s enjoyment, and the VAS-F measuring feelings of fatigue). Data were analyzed using a one-way repeated measures ANOVA, followed by a post-hoc Tukey test, p