Feasibility and acceptability of stepping exercise for cardiovascular fitness in women
Received 13 June 2007; received in revised form 1 January 2008; accepted 22 March 2008. published online 16 January 2009.
Abstract
Nurses conducting clinical research often test the feasibility and acceptability of interventions before using them in large-scale experimental studies. This article specifically reviews stepping exercise as an intervention with women. In a literature review, three stepping modes (steptreadmill, bench/step, and stepper) were compared, with the steptreadmill being identified as the most advantageous for use in experimental research. An exemplar was constructed to illustrate feasibility and acceptability of steptreadmill exercise (motorized stair climbing) in 11 women with hypertension. Steptreadmill exercise is feasible and acceptable and shows promise for use in experimental studies where strict control over the exercise performed is required.
aCollege of Nursing, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63121, USA
bDepartment of Nursing, Cedarville University Cedarville, OH 45314, USA
cThe Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health and Director, Preventive and Rehabilitative Cardiology and Medical Director, Center for Wellness and Prevention, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43016, USA
dPreventive and Rehabilitative Cardiology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43016, USA
eCenter for Wellness and Prevention, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43016, USA
fSchool of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
gAmerican Council on Exercise, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
ABSTRACT