Abstract
BackgroundMany recent commercial devices aim at providing a practical way to measure energy expenditure. However, those devices are limited in accuracy.ObjectiveThis study aimed to build a model of energy consumption during walking applicable to a range of sloped surfaces, used in conjunction with a simple, wearable device.MethodsWe constructed a model of energy consumption during gradient walking by using arguments based in mechanics. We built a foot monitoring system that used pressure sensors on the foot insoles. We did experiments in which participants walked on a treadmill wearing the foot monitoring system, and indirect calorimetry was used for validation. We found the parameters of the model by fitting to the data.ResultsWhen walking at 1.5 m/s, we found that the model predicted a calorie consumption rate of 5.54 kcal/min for a woman with average height and weight and 6.89 kcal/min for an average man. With the obtained parameters, the model predicted the data with a root-mean-square deviation of 0.96 kcal/min and median percent error of 12.4%.ConclusionsOur model was found to be an accurate predictor of energy consumption when walking on a range of slopes. The model uses few variables; thus, it can be used in conjunction with a convenient wearable device.
Highlights
Physical inactivity, despite its well-known health risks [1,2], continues to be a serious public health issue [3]
Our model was found to be an accurate predictor of energy consumption when walking on a range of slopes
The fit resulted in a root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) of 0.96 kcal/min for both women and men
Summary
Despite its well-known health risks [1,2], continues to be a serious public health issue [3]. Various wearable devices, including wristbands and mobile phones, have offered a way to track physical activity throughout the day. Such devices can be used in ambulatory conditions by individuals or in clinical settings to monitor patients’ physical activity. Many of these devices use an accelerometer-based method to predict energy expenditure [4,5,6]. A GPS tracker can be used to measure the walking distance and compute the total energy consumption This method is limited in accuracy and may not be feasible indoors.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
