Changes in Vertebral Column Height (VCH) at Different Distance Intervals During a 3-Mile Walk.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in vertebral column height (VCH) of males and females, at every one-half mile, for a total walking distance of 3 miles.

Methods: Twenty males and twenty females between the ages of 21 and 40 years walked 3 miles on a treadmill maintaining a walking speed that the subject rated between 12 and 14 on Borg's rate of perceived exertion scale. Blood pressure, heart rate, and VCH measurements were taken initially and at each half-mile interval throughout the three-mile walk. Vertebral column height (VCH) was measured from the spinous process of C7 to S2 using a standard tape measure.

Results: Significant differences existed in vertebral column height according to sex (F = 16.18; p < .05) and significant differences in vertebral column height at the different distances (F = 65.02: p < .0001). Significant changes occurred in the VCH between half-mile intervals only between 0.5 miles and 1.0 mile and between 1.0 mile and 1.5 miles during the walk. As found with a regression analysis, curvilinear relationship exists between the distance walked and VCH; with VCH decreasing throughout the distance of the walk.

Conclusions: Vertebral column height decreased in a curvilinear relationship throughout the distance of walking 3 miles in both males and females.