Differences in walking biomechanics and energetics between self-paced and fixed speed treadmill walking

Walking is often named in patient populations as one of the most important motor functions for maintaining a good quality of life. The increased use of treadmill walking in movement laboratories allows for continuous recording of walking characteristics and it is less exhausting for the patient by eliminating repeated back and forth walking as in an overground movement laboratory. Thanks to a self-regulating speed on the treadmill, the natural walking speed variation as seen in daily life is maintained. Previous research has shown that an oscillating position on a fixed-speed treadmill increases energy costs. However, it is not yet known whether the self-regulating speed, at which the person controls the speed of the treadmill, also increases the energy cost of walking compared to a fixed speed. By walking at different speeds, the parabolic relationship between the energy cost and the speed of walking can be simulated in both conditions. The lowest energy cost per distance travelled corresponds to the optimal (comfortable) walking speed. In addition to the energy cost measured via respiratory gas analysis, muscle power efficiency also contributes to the energy cost. In combination with joint angles, forces and moments (clustered as walking biomechanics), differences between the self-regulating and fixed speed can be explained. By validating the energy cost of walking and certain walking characteristics with the measured values ​​by means of accelerometry, a translation can be made to the energy consumption of walking in daily life.

Self-paced treadmill walking increases the energetic cost of walking and is related to the variability of biomechanical and spatiotemporal parameters and muscle activation patterns.

Non-WMO approved