Net mechanical efficiency during stepping in chronically energy-deficient human subjects

Mechanical efficiency during a step test was measured in chronically energy-deficient (CED) individuals and compared to well-nourished subjects using a whole-body indirect calorimeter. The CED group had significantly higher net mechanical efficiencies than the well nourished subjects. This was also evident in the 15% lower energy costs observed in the CED subjects when expressed as a percentage of the predicted data. Factors such as a higher proportion of slow muscle fibres as well as a greater ergonometric efficiency may contribute to the observed higher muscular efficiency aiding conservation of energy expenditure in these individuals.