Can older adults improve the identification of moderate intensity using walking cadence?

Background The majority of older adults do not reach the physical activity guidelines. One possible explanation for this may be that older adults overestimate their physical activity levels, because they are unable to identify exercise intensity. Methods Forty-four older adults were recruited and randomly assigned into two walking groups lasting 6 weeks. The intervention group was asked to walk a minimum of 150 min per week at moderate intensity using walking cadence indicated with a pedometer. The control group did not get any feedback on walking intensity. Results The ability to identify moderate intensity while walking did not significantly improve in neither groups ( p = 0.530). However, participants in the intervention group increased significantly the time spent at moderate intensity, in 10 min bouts ( p