The accuracy of the ACSM prediction equations, for determining walking caloric expenditure, in college-aged males and females

Abstract

Objective

Determine whether the ACSM walking equations, which calculate caloric expenditure, were accurate for college-aged males and females.

Participants

Between 2011 and 2016, 100 college-aged males, 20.24 ± 2.0 years old, and 100 college-aged females, 20.8 ± 1.3 years old, volunteered to participate.

Methods

Participants walked on a treadmill at 80.4 m⋅min⁻¹ at grades of 2, 4, and 6%. Oxygen uptake was measured with an oxygen analyzer (Medgraphics VO2000, Minneapolis, MN). Measurements were converted to caloric expenditure.

Results

The mean metabolically derived (MD) $\dot{\mathrm{VO}}$₂ values, in ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹ for males walking at grades of 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0% were: 15.4 ± 2.7, 17.3 ± 2.6, 19.6 ± 2.8, respectively, and for females were: 15.2 ± 1.1, 16.0 ± 2.0, 17.4 ± 4.2, respectively. ACSM prediction equation values for $\dot{\mathrm{VO}}$₂ at the described parameters are 14.4, 17.3 and 20.8, respectively.

Conclusions

ACSM prediction equations are not a good predictor of overall caloric expenditure, in college-aged males and females.

Keywords:

• Energy expenditure
• $VO2$
• walking

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of the United States and received approval from the Institutional Review Board of Colby-Sawyer College.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by New Hampshire IDeA Network of Biological Research Excellence (NH-INBRE) / National Institute of General Medical Sciences (5P20RR030360-0 / 8P20GM103506-03).