Sample Research Abstract
Oxygen consumption and
energy expenditure
of level versus downhill running
R.A. Robergs, D.R.
Wagner, K.M. Skemp
Center for Exercise and Applied Human Physiology,
Johnson Center, University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-1251
Objective. The purpose of this study was to assess and com-
pare submaximal oxygen consumption (VO2) and energy
expenditure (kJ) while running at 0, -1.8, -3.6, and -5.4%
grades for three individually selected running speeds
(9.4+0.79, 10.3+0.74, 11.3+0.73 km/h).
Experimental Design. Subjects completed the four grade
conditions in random order via a modified Latin squares
design at three self-selected submaximal running speeds
for each condition.
Participants. Thirteen (5 females and 8 males) recreational
(<35 km/wk) runners (age: 27.7+/-4.3 yrs) volunteered for
the study.
Measures. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA (Grade x
Speed) was used to analyze steady-state VO2 and kJ expen-
diture. Stepwise linear multiple regression was used to
develop an equation for predicting VO2 for running at rec-
reational speeds on moderately negative grades.
Results. VO2 and kJ mean values were significantly different
between all speed and % grade comparisons. Compared to
level grade, the average reductions in VO2 and kJ expendi-
ture ranged from approximately 9% at a grade of -1.8% to
22% at a grade of -5.4%. The relationship between VO2 and
% grade for each running speed was linear.
Conclusions. For a given speed, running at a modest neg-
ative grade can significantly decrease VO2 and kJ expen-
diture compared to level running. The following regres-
sion equation can be used to estimate VO2 (ml/kg/min)
for running at recreational speeds on slight downhills:
VO2 = 6.8192 + 0.1313 (speed in m/min) + 1.2367 (%
grade).
This "abstract" is published along with the
original research manuscript in the September, 1997, issue of The Journal
of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, Vol. 37 - No. 3 (168-174).
ASEPNewsletter
(December
Issue, 1997)
ASEP
Table of Contents