Abstract
[Purpose] The objective of the present study was to elucidate the relationships between speed (in the vertical direction) and oxygen uptake (VO2) and motor efficiency (NE) for different patterns of staircase climbing (using alternate feet, or step through, vs. placing both feed on each step, or step to ). [Subjects] The subjects were 30 healthy adults. [Methods] Subjects were instructed to climb a staircase (30° inclination) for 3 min using both step through and step to patterns at speeds (in the vertical direction) of 3.5, 7.0, and 10.5 m/min. VO2 and heart rate (HR) during climbing were measured and NE was calculated. Through two-way ANOVA (dependent variables: VO2, METs, HR, NE), we tested the difference among speed patterns and between different patterns of staircase climbing. [Results] For both climbing patterns, VO2, HR and NE increased proportionally with speed. Compared with the step to climbing pattern, VO2 at a climbing speed of 3.5 m/min was higher for the step through pattern. However, VO2 at a climbing speed of 10.5 m/min was higher for the step to pattern. [Conclusion] Differences in NE for the step through and step to patterns play a role in the relationship between speed and VO2.
