Impact of ambient temperature on energy cost and economical speed during level walking in healthy young males

Abstract

We measured oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide output during walking [per unit distance (Cw) values] for 14 healthy young human males at seven speeds from 0.67 to 1.67 m s−1 (4 min per stage) in thermoneutral (23°C), cool (13°C), and hot (33°C) environments. The Cw at faster gait speeds in the 33°C trial was slightly higher compared to those in the 23°C and 13°C trials. We found the speed at which the young males walked had a significant effect on the Cw values (P0.05). Economical speed (ES) which can minimize the Cw in each individual was calculated from a U-shaped relationship. We found a significantly slower ES at 33°C [1.265 (0.060) m s−1 mean (s.d.)] compared to 23°C [1.349 (0.077) m s−1] and 13°C [1.356 (0.078) m s−1, P0.05). Heart rate and mean skin temperature responses in the 33°C condition increased throughout the walking trial compared to 23°C and 13°C (all P<0.05). These results suggest that an acutely hot environment slowed the ES by ∼7%, but an acutely cool environment did not affect the Cw and ES.

Keywords

• Economical speed
• Heart rate
• Hot environment
• Energy expenditure
• Pulmonary ventilation