Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Publication Date
11-2019
Publisher
Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
Source Publication
American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Source ISSN
0894-9115
Abstract
Objective
Slow walking speed paired with increased energy cost is a strong predictor for mortality and disability in older adults but has yet to be examined in a heterogeneous sample (ie, age, sex, disease status). The aim of this study was to examine energy cost of slow and normal walking speeds among low- and normal-functioning adults.
Design
Adults aged 20–90 yrs were recruited for this study. Participants completed a 10-m functional walk test at a self-selected normal walking speed and were categorized as low functioning or normal functioning based on expected age- and sex-adjusted average gait speed. Participants completed two successive 3-min walking stages, at slower than normal and normal walking speeds, respectively. Gas exchange was measured and energy cost per meter (milliliter per kilogram per meter) was calculated for both walking speeds.
Results
Energy cost per meter was higher (P < 0.0001) in the low-functioning group (n = 76; female = 59.21%; mean ± SD age = 61.13 ± 14.68 yrs) during the slower than normal and normal (P < 0.0001) walking speed bouts compared with the normal-functioning group (n = 42; female = 54.76%; mean ± SD age = 51.55 ± 19.51 yrs).
Conclusions
Low-functioning adults rely on greater energy cost per meter of walking at slower and normal speeds. This has implications for total daily energy expenditure in low-functioning, adult populations.
Recommended Citation
Rowley, Taylor W.; Cho, Chi; Swartz, Ann M.; Staudenmayer, John; Hyngstrom, Allison S.; Keenan, Kevin G.; Welch, Whitney A.; and Strath, Scott J., "Energy Cost of Slow and Normal Gait Speeds in Low and Normally Functioning Adults" (2019). Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications. 172.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/phys_therapy_fac/172
Comments
Accepted version. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Vol. 98, No. 11 (November 2019): 976-981. DOI. © 2019 Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins. Used with permission.