Date of Award

5-2026

Degree Type

Report

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Kinesiology and Health Science

Committee Chair(s)

Dale Wagner

Committee

Dale Wagner

Committee

Chris Dakin

Committee

Jesse Jones

Abstract

Several energy expenditure prediction equations for walking on varied terrain exist; however, these predictions are often theoretical and have not undergone rigorous field testing for accuracy. Field research on this topic is sparse. The aim of this study was to determine if any existing energy expenditure prediction equations are accurate in a field-based setting with load and gradient being taken into account (i.e., under conditions that are most applicable to day hiking). This was done by directly measuring relative VO2 (ml/kg/min) of study participants and comparing these direct measurements to the values generated from the existing prediction equations. Fifteen subjects (33% women) completed the study. Measurements of VO2 were obtained from a portable metabolic unit while hiking a trail of varied terrain. Measured data were compared to the predicted values from the equations using correlations, ANOVA, and equivalence testing. It was found that none of the equations showed equivalence during downhill grades. Mean differences over the entire uphill and downhill trail, and all trail sections, ranged from -9.67 mL/kg/min to 3.40 mL/kg/min. The Ludlow equation showed equivalence over one uphill trail section, Dill showed equivalence over two, and the Pandolf, de Müllenheim, and Looney equations over three trail sections. In conclusion, the Pandolf, de Müllenheim, and Looney prediction equations are the best options for field use when comparing equivalence to measured VO2, with the Pandolf equation being the best option when looking at statistically significant differences.

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