The research, published in The Journal of Physical Therapy Science, found an increase in heart rate of 46 people, aged between 21 and 69, when they were given gum to chew while walking at a steady pace.
Japanese researchers gathered volunteers who were asked to complete two 15 minute walking trials. In the first trial, the participants chewed two pieces of gum. In the second trial, they walked after ingesting a powder containing the same ingredients as the gum.
The research team then measured participants’ resting heart rate and walking heart rate in both legs, and took into consideration the distance they covered at a natural pace, their walking speed, and the number of steps taken.
Bodyism HIIT WHIMN0:31
Game of Thrones workout by Bodyism's James Duigan.
The results found that the mean heart rate was “significantly higher” in the first trial where the participants chewed gum.
But the most significant finding was the result it had on men over 40, where chewing gum also helped boost the distance walked, the number of steps taken and the amount of energy expended.
“Combining exercise and gum chewing may be an effective way to manage weight,” the researchers said – particularly in countries like Japan where walking is the “most widely performed movement.”
The reason for this may have something to do with “cardio-locomotor synchronisation”, a natural phenomenon whereby the heart beats in rhythm with repetitive movement.
Previous studies have found that chewing gum boosts heart rate in people at rest, but this was the first study dedicated to examining its effects in people while walking, the authors explained.
For more on the topic of weight loss, these are the best carbs to eat that can help you lose weight. Plus, this is why bread in the morning can help with weight loss.
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