Effect of walking speed on energy metabolism in middle-aged women

Abstract

This study evaluated the relationship between walking speed and energy metabolism. The speed at which energy consumption per km of walking was lowest was defined as "economical speed"; the speed at which each subject felt most natural was defined as "comfortable speed"; and the fastest speed at which each subject was able to walk was defined as "fast speed". Energy consumption during 60-minutes of walking was 342±11 kcal at fast speed, 248±13 kcal at comfortable speed, and 201±17 kcal at economical speed. The value at fast speed was significantly higher than at other speeds (P<0.001). As for source of energy consumption, energy derived from carbohydrates was 233±16 kcal at fast speed, accounting for 68% of total energy consumption, 149± 19 kcal at comfortable speed, and 109±13 kcal at economical speed. Energy derived from fat was 109 ±10 kcal at fast speed, 99±14 kcal at comfortable speed, and 92±12 kcal at economical speed, with no significant difference among the 3 speeds. No difference was observed among the 3 speeds in change in plasma lipid levels after walking compared with before walking.