Evaluation of a theoretical model to quantify the sources of metabolic cost in walking

Objective: To evaluate the validity of a theoretical model of walking in which the oxygen uptake (VO2) is described as a function of speed by an equation in the form y = ax(2) + b, with constant a representing the metabolic cost for performing the walking movement, and constant b representing the sum of the metabolic costs for basal metabolism and maintaining balance and posture. Design: Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to analyze our theoretical model. In a human exercise research laboratory, 12 healthy male subjects walked on a level treadmill at speeds of 0.39-1.83 m/sec under a control condition, while wearing "instability" shoes with peripheral vision obstructed, and with 2-kg weights around each wrist. Total transported mass was the same under each condition through the carriage of 4 kg in a back pack during the control and instability conditions. Outcome was determined by equations describing VO2 as a function of speed and by kinematics of the center of mass. Results: The constant b was higher (P < 0.01) for the instability condition than the other conditions, but constant a did not differ among the conditions. However, external work was greatest (P < 0.05) for the instability condition. Conclusions: Because the kinematic data demonstrate that the instability condition increased the metabolic cost for performing the walking movement compared with the control condition, and there was no difference among conditions in constant a, the theoretical model seems invalid.