Abstract
[Purpose] To determine the effects on motor efficiency (NE) of differences in the duration of single-leg standing during alternate feet and step through in stair climbing. [Subjects] A total of 11 healthy men. [Methods] Subjects climbed stairs using alternate feet or step through at a vertical speed of 3.5 m/min with two durations of single-leg standing: normal ascent, in which the duration naturally matched step frequency, and shortened ascent, in which the duration was shortened while matching the step frequency. For each type of ascent, stair climbing was performed for 3 minutes and NE was calculated by measuring the oxygen uptake (VO2) and heart rate. The paired t-test was performed for VO2 and NE during ascent for comparison of the two durations. [Results] VO2 was lower during shortened ascent when compared to normal ascent, while NE was higher during shortened ascent when compared to normal ascent. [Conclusion] NE during stair climbing can be improved by shortening the duration of single-leg standing.
