Walker, J. L., Neal, M. A., Murray, T. d., & Jackson, A. S. (1998). The effect of age on the energy cost of walking and running in children. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 30(5), Supplement abstract 319.

Ss (M = 101; F =79) between the ages of 9 and 18 years performed a submaximal walking or running test at speeds from 2-8 mph.

It was found that the relationship between VO2 and running was linear but for walking was curvilinear. Age accounted for significant additional variation in VO2.

It was concluded that the weight-relative energy cost of submaximal walking and running decreases as children get older, and adult models underestimate submaximal VO2 during walking and running in children.

Implication. Adult equations that estimate VO2 are inappropriate for children and adolescents. Children work at higher levels of VO2 for walking and running, the levels dropping as the individual grows all the way through adolescence.

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