Prediction Equations of Energy Expenditure in Chinese Youth Based on Step Frequency During Walking and Running

Abstract

Purpose: This study set out to examine the relationship between step frequency and velocity to develop a step frequency-based equation to predict Chinese youth's energy expenditure (EE) during walking and running. Method: A total of 173 boys and girls aged 11 to 18 years old participated in this study. The participants walked and ran on a treadmill at speeds of 3 km/hr, 4 km/hr, 5 km/hr, 6 km/hr, 7 km/hr, and 8 km/hr. EE was measured using indirect calorimetry of open circuit spirometry (Cosmed K4b² metabolic analyzer). Using multiple regression analysis, the relationship between step frequency and velocity was first examined, and the prediction equation of EE based on step frequency, age, and gender was derived. Results: The hypothesized relationship between step frequency and velocity was confirmed and an accurate (R ² = .78) EE prediction equation was derived: Net EE = − 13.7744+1.8004 (step frequency) – 5.5715 (age) – 11.5244 (gender). Conclusion: A step frequency-, age-, and gender-based equation was derived to predict the EE of youth during walking and running. The equation can be used to develop a simple device to estimate EE during walking and running in this population.

Keywords:

• energy consumption
• physical activity
• regression equations
• velocity

Acknowledgments

This work was partly supported by the Supporting Programs of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (2009BAK62B02-002 and 2012BAK23B04) and the Shanghai Committee of Science and Technology in China (Grant No. 11dz1503700).