Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol 51, Issue 2 529-532, Copyright © 1981 by American Physiological Society
Mechanics and energetics of stilt walking
P. Vaida, B. Anton-Kuchly and P. Varene
Three subjects were studied walking on a sports track with and without
1-m-long stilts. They were asked to walk in different ways. Pace length,
step rate, heart rate, and oxygen consumption were measured under both
conditions at different speeds. The results show that walking speed is
generally faster for stilt walking than for normal walking. The higher
speed is achieved due to increased pace length in spite of a decrease in
step rate. The relationship between energy expenditure and walking speed is
approximately the same in both cases. This result may be explained by two
opposing factors: increase of pace length and decrease of step rate
decrease the energy requirements of stilt walking, but the foot loading
presented by the stilt walking exaggerates these conditions and increases
energy expenditure.
