title: Parametric Modeling of Human Gradient Walking for Predicting Minimum Energy Expenditure.
abstract: A mathematical model to predict the optimum gradient for a minimum energetic cost is proposed, based on previous results that showed a minimum energetic cost when gradient is -10%. The model focuses on the variation in mechanical energy during gradient walking. It is shown that kinetic energy plays a marginal role in low speed gradient walking. Therefore, the model considers only potential energy. A mathematical parameter that depends on step length was introduced, showing that the optimal gradient is a function of that parameter. Consequently, the optimal negative gradient depends on the individual step length. The model explains why recent results do not suggest a single optimal gradient but rather a range around -10%.
authors.affiliation: Departament de Biologia Animal, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: Gerard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Saborit
authors.affiliation: Departament de Biologia Animal, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: Adrià
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Casinos
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*