ive I spoke with is unknown.I would not completely disqualify the claim that the Stair Master will relieve lower back pain, because in fact, walking is one of the recommended exercises for treating lower back pain (Shiple & DiNuble, 1997), and walking can be simulated on the Stair Master. However, the user would have be educated on how to use it effectively. For example, would taking too wide of steps and shifting hips side to side too much be counterproductive?Overall, there is a lack of research that identifies any direct advantages or disadvantages in using stair climbers. But one disadvantage that has been noted, is that climbing stairs increases the body weight to the patellar surface six times, and this could aggravate the knees causing chondromalacia. However, individuals who do have chondromalacia are not discouraged from using stair climbers. But it is recommended that they strengthen their thigh muscles (DeBenedette, 1990). The Stair Master advertisement appears conservative in color and design, displaying only a female on the equipment. The attention grabber is printed in big capital letters: "THE BEST WAY TO LOSE WEIGHT AND STAY IN SHAPE!" However, this review has concluded that the same benefits can be achieved with any form of exercise, the Stair Master is not exclusive. Also, this ad states the very minimum required for health benefits: "20 minutes a day, three times per week." This makes it seem more attractive for those individuals who are only willing to do the minimum. Advertising 20-30 minutes a day, 3-4 times a week, at 60% to 85% of maximum heart rate may be discouraging for some. Although this may be a sneaky tactic to sell their equipment, it is also a good one to encourage inactive individuals to exercise.This advertisement may be very appealing to all individuals who want to achieve the benefits listed in this ad. There is evidence that the stair climber exercises large muscle groups (back, buttocks,...
