Comparison between preferred and energetically optimal transition speeds in adolescents

Area of Science:

• Human physiology
• Adolescent biomechanics
• Locomotion energetics

Background:

• Understanding the walk-run transition is crucial for adolescent physical activity.
• Previous research has not fully elucidated the energetic and preferred transition speeds in this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between preferred transition speed (PTS) and energetically optimal transition speed (EOTS) in adolescents.
• To determine if EOTS is higher than PTS in young individuals.
• To explore factors influencing the walk-run transition in adolescents.

Main Methods:

• Ten 11-, 13-, and 15-year-olds participated in treadmill-based testing sessions.
• Preferred transition speed (PTS) was identified, followed by walking and running trials at varying speeds.
• Expired gas analysis was used to calculate oxygen consumption (VO2) and determine EOTS.

Main Results:

• Energetically optimal transition speed (EOTS) was significantly higher than preferred transition speed (PTS) across all age groups.
• The aerobic demand (VO2) at PTS was not lower when running compared to walking.
• A positive correlation was found between leg length and PTS (r = 0.71).

Conclusions:

• Adolescents transition from walking to running at a speed that is not energetically optimal.
• Factors beyond energetic efficiency, such as leg length, influence the walk-run transition in adolescents.
• Further research is needed to identify all governing factors in adolescent gait transitions.