Influence of Stride Length Alteration Training on the Energy Cost and Efficiency of Walking

Abstract

The effect of stride length alteration training on preferred walking cadence and energy efficiency during exercise was examined. Ten men (23.6 ± 1.5 yrs, 177.2 ± 5.3 cm, 72.5 ± 8.7 kg) underwent three walking trials: 1) at preferred stride (SR), 2) at 10% longer length of SR, and 3) at 20% longer length of SR. All subjects walked at five different speeds: 2.5, 4, 5, 6, and 7.5 km/h (pre-testing). Then, they participated in a training program consisting of fast walking with an extended stride length on a graded treadmill at 6.4 km/h as well as leg strength training for 8 weeks. After the training program, the subject’s preferred SR was measured and they were retested (post-testing). After the training, the freely chosen SR decreased by 11.8, 9.9, 8.0, and 8.6% from pre-testing levels at 4, 5, 6, and 7.5 km/h, respectively (p < .05). At these SR, heart rate, oxygen uptake, and energy cost per walking distance did not change compared to the pre-testing rates. At the SR used in pre-testing, no changes in heart rate, oxygen uptake, or energy efficiency at all walking speed and stride length conditions were observed. Stride length alteration training lowered the self-selecting preferred stride rate during walking at speeds ≥ 4 km/h. Despite changes in the preferred stride rate, physiological responses and walking economy at a given stride rate used in pre-training were not changed or shifted by the training.