About Stepper Exercise Equipment

Stepper exercise equipment encompasses all types of stair-climbing devices, from electronic pedals to immobile platforms. A study at Virginia Tech demonstrates that this type of aerobic exercise can both help increase cardiovascular performance and burn calories.

  1. History

    • Stair climbing became popular in the 1980s for its cardiovascular benefits, and the earliest stepping machine resembled a miniature escalator with different speed settings to adjust intensity. This design transformed into a large machine with pedals, but this type of stepper limited stride length because of the positioning of the pedals. Also, according to a Virginia Tech scholar, the presence of handrails allowed too much support, limiting the full range of aerobic motion.

    Benefits

    • All aerobic activity increases the amount of VO2 max, or the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use in a minute per kilogram of weight. The Journal of Kinesiology Research at the University of Wisconsin reports that steppers are beneficial because they build both aerobic endurance and muscular strength, especially in designs that allow you to adjust incline and speed. Though the stepper does not provide as high VO2 peak values as the treadmill, steppers may be better exercise alternatives for people with heart problems because they don’t increase heart rate and blood pressure as much as treadmills do.

    Concerns

    • The traditional stair-stepping equipment, because of its limitation to a lower body workout, can put strain on joints, especially knees, according to a Virginia Tech study. Another disadvantage to the stepper as an aerobic activity is it doesn’t increase the heart rate as much as running or bicycling. When heart rate increases during a workout, more calories are burned, and because of the stepper's limitations, this may cause a problem for those whose primary goal is to quickly lose weight.

    Types

    • Different variations on the original stepper have been manufactured after health experts studied the folly of earlier designs. Virginia Tech concludes that inclined steppers, accompanied with moving hand supports, provide a solid aerobic workout with full body movement. A newer model allows the user to sit while performing simultaneous upper and lower body movement, which reduces strain on joints.

    Use In Patient Rehabilitation

    • According to the American College of Sports Medicine, a cardiovascular patient in rehabilitation should reach 45 percent of his VO2 max in an effective workout. VO2 max is measured by placing a respiratory mask on a subject and having him work out to his maximum heart rate (which is 220 minus the person's age). When the subject has worked out for 10 to 12 minutes, the person performing the test will analyze results and find the VO2 maximum.

      In a study conducted by the University of Wisconsin, seven out of eight patients who used the seated stepper model reached or exceeded the necessary 45 percent of their VO2 max, proving the equipment’s value in therapeutic use.