title: Predicting walking METs and energy expenditure from speed or accelerometry.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  a) Compare the predictive potential of speed and CSA(hip) (Computer Science Applications accelerometer positioned on the hip) for level terrain walking METs (1 MET = VO2 of 3.5 mL.kg(-1).min(-1)) and energy expenditure (kcal.min(-1)); b) cross-validate previously published CSA(hip)- and speed-based MET and energy expenditure prediction equations; c) measure self-paced walking speed, exercise intensity (METs) and energy expenditure in the middle aged population.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy-two 35- to 45-yr-old volunteers walked around a level, paved quadrangle at what they perceived to be a moderate pace. Oxygen consumption was measured using the criterion Douglas bag technique. Speed, CSA(hip), heart rate, and Borg rating of perceived exertion were also monitored.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Speed explained 10% more variance of walking METs than CSA(hip). Speed and mass explained 8% more variance of walking energy expenditure (kcal.min) than CSA(hip) and mass. The best previously published regression equations predict our walking METs and energy expenditures within 95% prediction limits of +/- 0.7 METs and +/- 1.0 kcal.min(-1), respectively. Women paced themselves at a significantly higher mean speed (5.5 km.h(-1)) and intensity (4.1 METs) than their male counterparts (5.2 km.h(-1) and 3.8 METs). Both genders expended approximately 0.75 kcal.kg(-1) for every kilometer of level terrain walked.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Speed-based MET and energy expenditure predictions during level terrain walking were more accurate than those utilizing CSA(hip).
authors: Exercise Physiology Laboratory, School of Education, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia. anthony.brooks@flinders.edu.au
authors: Anthony G
authors: AG
authors: Brooks
authors: Simon M
authors: SM
authors: Gunn
authors: Robert T
authors: RT
authors: Withers
authors: Christopher J
authors: CJ
authors: Gore
authors: John L
authors: JL
authors: Plummer
mesh_terms: D000054:Acceleration; D000328:Adult; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D013021:South Australia; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*