Continuous versus accumulated brisk walking in children aged 8-11 years

In the present study, we compared the total energy expenditure of brisk walking 1500 m in one continuous bout versus two accumulated bouts using a portable gas analyser in children aged 8-11 years. There were no significant differences in oxygen uptake, energy expenditure or effort rating between the continuous and accumulated brisk walks (P > 0.05). There was a difference in substrate metabolism between the continuous and accumulated brisk walks. Greater carbohydrate metabolism during the continuous brisk walk and greater fat metabolism during the accumulated brisk walks was observed. These differences in substrate metabolism were only evident in boys. The findings support the use of accumulated brisk walking bouts within the school environment, alongside traditional continuous methods aimed at increasing energy expenditure and fat metabolism, in young children.