Stepping as an exercise modality for improving fitness and function

This article describes three stepping modes, summarizes research on stepping in healthy adults and patients with peripheral vascular disease, and discusses clinical implications and directions for future research. Stepping exercise has been shown to increase cardiorespiratory fitness in healthy adults and increase physical function in patients with peripheral vascular disease. Although further research is warranted, stepping exercise has potential value as a nursing intervention to correct alterations in physical mobility in selected populations, Stepping is proposed as an alternative exercise strategy; one which adds variety to exercise routines and may enhance long-term exercise adherence.