NDLI: The optimal locomotion on gradients: walking, running or cycling?

Content Provider	Springer Nature Link
Author	Ardigò, L. P. Saibene, F. Minetti, A. E.
Copyright Year	2003
Abstract	On level ground, cycling is more economical than running, which in turn is more economical than walking in the high speed range. This paper investigates whether this ranking still holds when moving on a gradient, where the three modes are expected to be mainly facing the same burden, i.e. to counter gravity. By using data from the literature we have built a theoretical framework to predict the optimal mode as a function of the gradient. Cycling was found to be the mode of choice only below 10–15% gradient, while above it walking was the least expensive locomotion type. Seven amateur bikers were then asked to walk, run and ride on a treadmill at different gradients. The speed was set so as to maintain almost constant the metabolic demand across the different gradients. The results indicate that the "critical slope", i.e. the one above which walking is less expensive than cycling (and running), is about 13–15%. One subject was loaded during bipedal gaits with a bicycle-equivalent mass, to simulate to cross-country cycling situation. The critical slope was close to 20%, due to the higher metabolic cost of loaded walking and running. Part of the findings can be explained by the mechanically different paradigms of the three locomotion types.
Starting Page	365
Ending Page	371
Page Count	7
File Format	PDF
ISSN	14396319
Journal	European Journal of Applied Physiology
Volume Number	90
Issue Number	3
e-ISSN	14396327
Language	English
Publisher	Springer-Verlag
Publisher Date	2003-07-25
Publisher Place	Berlin/Heidelberg
Access Restriction	One Nation One Subscription (ONOS)
Subject Keyword	Cycling Economy Gradient Running Walking
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article
Subject	Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Physiology (medical) Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health Sports Science

Sl.	Authority	Responsibilities	Communication Details
1	Ministry of Education (GoI), Department of Higher Education	Sanctioning Authority	https://www.education.gov.in/ict-initiatives
2	Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur	Host Institute of the Project: The host institute of the project is responsible for providing infrastructure support and hosting the project	https://www.iitkgp.ac.in
3	National Digital Library of India Office, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur	The administrative and infrastructural headquarters of the project	Dr. B. Sutradhar bsutra@ndl.gov.in
4	Project PI / Joint PI	Principal Investigator and Joint Principal Investigators of the project	Dr. B. Sutradhar bsutra@ndl.gov.in Prof. Saswat Chakrabarti will be added soon
5	Website/Portal (Helpdesk)	Queries regarding NDLI and its services	support@ndl.gov.in
6	Contents and Copyright Issues	Queries related to content curation and copyright issues	content@ndl.gov.in
7	National Digital Library of India Club (NDLI Club)	Queries related to NDLI Club formation, support, user awareness program, seminar/symposium, collaboration, social media, promotion, and outreach	clubsupport@ndl.gov.in
8	Digital Preservation Centre (DPC)	Assistance with digitizing and archiving copyright-free printed books	dpc@ndl.gov.in
9	IDR Setup or Support	Queries related to establishment and support of Institutional Digital Repository (IDR) and IDR workshops	idr@ndl.gov.in

Longitudinal stratification of gait economy in young boys and girls: the locomotion energy and growth study

Effects of marathon running on running economy and kinematics

The metabolic transition speed between backward walking and running

Comparison of cardio-locomotor synchronization during running and cycling

The two asymmetries of the bouncing step

Walking economy in male adults with Down syndrome

Constant versus variable-intensity during cycling: effects on subsequent running performance

Post-effect of forward and backward locomotion on body orientation in space during quiet stance

Differences in leg muscle activity during running and cycling in humans

The optimal locomotion on gradients: walking, running or cycling?

Similar Documents

Longitudinal stratification of gait economy in young boys and girls: the locomotion energy and growth study

Effects of marathon running on running economy and kinematics

The metabolic transition speed between backward walking and running

Comparison of cardio-locomotor synchronization during running and cycling

The two asymmetries of the bouncing step

Walking economy in male adults with Down syndrome

Constant versus variable-intensity during cycling: effects on subsequent running performance

Post-effect of forward and backward locomotion on body orientation in space during quiet stance

Differences in leg muscle activity during running and cycling in humans

The optimal locomotion on gradients: walking, running or cycling?