Physiological Study of Race-Walking—the Relationship Between Walking Speed and Oxygen Requirement—

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to clarify some of the characteristics of race-walking, especially the relationship between walking speed and oxygen requirement, and stride in race-walking and normal walking, and to examine whether race-walking is effective for the maintenance and promotion of health. The subjects were five male race-walkers (race-walker group) and five male college students (control group). The results obtained were as follows : 1. Under race-walk conditions, the highest speeds attained in the race-walker and control groups were 200∼220 m/min and 160 m/min, respectively. Under normal walking conditions, however, the values were 140 m/min in both groups. 2. A lower oxygen requirement was observed at slower speed during normal walking and at a higher speed (over 130 m/min) during race-walking. 3. Oxygen requirement (m//kg/100 m) in the race-walker group was minimal at 60∼80 m/min during race-walking and at 60 m/min during normal walking. Values in the control group were minimal at 60 m/min under both walking conditions. 4. The oxygen requirement in the race-walker group was less than that of the control group under both walking conditions. 5. Under normal walking conditions, as the speed increased, both step-length and step frequency gradually increased, until step-length reached a limit of 80 cm. Thereafter, walking was maintained only by an increase in step frequency. However, in the race-walkes group, the subjects were capable of increasing their step-length further, and maintaining a higher speed (up to 220 m/min). 6. It was suggested that race-walking is one of the most efficient exercises for maintaining and improving health. (Jpn. J. Phys. Fitness Sports Med. 1991, 40 : 31∼40). © 1991, The Japanese Society of Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine. All rights reserved.