Individualized walking cadence thresholds of moderate to vigorous intensity for Taiwanese obese young adults.

BACKGROUND: Given the altered gait patterns and metabolic demands in obese individuals, population-specific cadence thresholds (steps per minute) are essential for accurate intensity classification and effective exercise prescription. This study examined the relationship between body composition and Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity (MVPA) cadence in obese individuals and establish cadence thresholds for moderate-intensity physical activity (MPA) (3 metabolic equivalents [METs]), MPAyoung (moderate-intensity physical activity for young adults, 4.8 METs), and vigorous physical activity (VPA) (6 METs). METHODS: A total of 48 obese young adults participated in this study. The VO2 was collected at rest in seated position for 10 min, followed by an incremental walking exercise at 3.2, 4.0, 4.8, 5.6, and 6.4 km/h with 5 min duration in each stage. Walking cadence and oxygen consumption were recorded and converted to steps per minute and METs. RESULTS: Body fat significantly related to 3 METs cadence in male (R² = 0.156, p < .05). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) models demonstrated a good discrimination (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.85-0.88 in males, 0.82-0.89 in females). The optimal cadence thresholds for males were 114 steps/min for MPA (positive predictive value [PPV]: 96.97%, negative predictive value [NPV]: 47.30%), 119 steps/min for MPAyoung (PPV: 50.94%, NPV: 95.40%), and 124 steps/min for VPA (PPV: 21.21%, NPV: 99.07%). In females, the optimal cadences were 115 steps/min for MPA (PPV: 98.08%, NPV: 36.96%), 125 steps/min for MPAyoung (PPV: 68.75%, NPV: 93.94%), and 131 steps/min for VPA (PPV: 38.10%, NPV: 98.70%). CONCLUSION: The effect of body fat percentage on gait adjustment mechanisms during MPA are different between genders in Taiwanese young adults. A practical cadence target range is 119-124 steps/min for males and 125-131 steps/min for females, based on the 4.8- to 6-METs thresholds; cadences within these ranges increase the likelihood of exceeding 3 METs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT06883253 (Retrospectively registered on March 19, 2025, for a study conducted between November 15, 2017, and November 8, 2018).