Abstract
Changes of energetic cost and comfort associated with changes in step frequency
Schampheleer Emilie1, Díaz María Alejandra1,2
(1) Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; (2) Brubotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
Introduction: It is known that people's most comfortable step frequency (SF) correlates to their lowest energetic cost (EC). At the preferred step frequency (PSF), mechanical power and efficiency are optimized. However, it is still unclear how people choose their most comfortable SF and how this comfort relates to the lowest EC.
Methods: The PSF was identified while walking on a treadmill at 4 km/h. Then, the SF values for 5, 10, 15 and 25% above and below the PSF were calculated and randomized. 10 participants walked for 5 minutes at each SF guided by a metronome for a total of 45 minutes. Every time the SF was changed, participants were asked to compare their comfort with the previous state. EC was calculated via pulmonary gas exchange, measured with COSMED K5 (breath-by-breath). The relationship between SF and EC was assessed using repeated measures ANOVA. Finally, independent samples t-test was used to evaluate the relationship between comfort and EC.
Results: The effect of walking at a lower SF than the preferred is significantly higher compared to walking at a higher SF for all percentual values (P=0.043). Additionally, the EC is 11% higher when walking at 25% below the PSF compared to 25% above the PSF (P=0.012). There is a significant difference in comfort, with a more comfortable feeling corresponding to a decrease in EC (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Even though it is a long walking test with many variations in SF, participants consistently find the SF that corresponds to a lower EC more comfortable. Moreover, it is more comfortable to walk at a higher SF compared to a lower SF since it requires less EC. Nevertheless, the most comfortable SF is the one that approximates to the PSF.
Correspondence e-mail: [email protected]
Schampheleer Emilie1, Díaz María Alejandra1,2
(1) Human Physiology and Sports Physiotherapy Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; (2) Brubotics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
Introduction: It is known that people's most comfortable step frequency (SF) correlates to their lowest energetic cost (EC). At the preferred step frequency (PSF), mechanical power and efficiency are optimized. However, it is still unclear how people choose their most comfortable SF and how this comfort relates to the lowest EC.
Methods: The PSF was identified while walking on a treadmill at 4 km/h. Then, the SF values for 5, 10, 15 and 25% above and below the PSF were calculated and randomized. 10 participants walked for 5 minutes at each SF guided by a metronome for a total of 45 minutes. Every time the SF was changed, participants were asked to compare their comfort with the previous state. EC was calculated via pulmonary gas exchange, measured with COSMED K5 (breath-by-breath). The relationship between SF and EC was assessed using repeated measures ANOVA. Finally, independent samples t-test was used to evaluate the relationship between comfort and EC.
Results: The effect of walking at a lower SF than the preferred is significantly higher compared to walking at a higher SF for all percentual values (P=0.043). Additionally, the EC is 11% higher when walking at 25% below the PSF compared to 25% above the PSF (P=0.012). There is a significant difference in comfort, with a more comfortable feeling corresponding to a decrease in EC (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Even though it is a long walking test with many variations in SF, participants consistently find the SF that corresponds to a lower EC more comfortable. Moreover, it is more comfortable to walk at a higher SF compared to a lower SF since it requires less EC. Nevertheless, the most comfortable SF is the one that approximates to the PSF.
Correspondence e-mail: [email protected]
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication status | Unpublished - 16 Dec 2022 |
| Event | 27e symposium van de Vereniging voor Bewegings- en Sportwetenschappen (VBSW) - Leuven, Belgium Duration: 16 Dec 2022 → 16 Dec 2022 |
Conference
| Conference | 27e symposium van de Vereniging voor Bewegings- en Sportwetenschappen (VBSW) |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Belgium |
| City | Leuven |
| Period | 16/12/22 → 16/12/22 |