Clinical determination of energy cost and walking velocity via stopwatch or speedometer cane and conversion graphs

Work rate and relative exercise intensity are basic considerations in developing optimal exercise training prescriptions in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. Velocity and energy cost of walking are directly related to work rate and indirectly related to exercise intensity. This article describes two methods of measuring walking velocity and estimating oxygen uptake. The validity and accuracy of the methods are discussed. We believe both methods are clinically useful. Because one method uses a specially instrumented speedometer cane, technical information concerning its design and construction is also included.