Energy Expenditure of men in Different Age Groups During Level Walking and Bicycle Ergometry

Abstract

Heart rate, ventilation volume and oxygen uptake have been determined in level walking and bicycle ergometry in healthy men, 20–65 years old. The tests have been performed on subjects with no preceeding experience with the procedure, as most clinical work tests have to be carried out. The relationship between heart rate and oxygen consumption is independent of age and type of work.

The ventilatory equivalent (V˙_E/V˙_0s) is higher in the older ages in walking. The oxygen consumption is the same in different ages in cycling, but increases with age in walking. Equations are given for the prediction of oxygen consumption at level walking. These can be used to give an approximate estimation of the load of the oxygen transportation at different speeds, but a determination of the actual oxygen uptake ought to be made if a more thorough analysis of physical fitness is desired.