Effectiveness of a Variable-Speed Control Based on Auditory Feedback: Is It Possible?

PURPOSE: Variable-speed control in the field is challenging for motion science. Tests were performed to evaluate speed, Froude number, and oxygen consumption if these varied when using the same frequency of steps. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of auditory feedback to control variable speed on the treadmill and track during acceleration cycles around the transition speed. METHODS: Twenty-four trained men participated. The protocol was based on 5 ramps of 50 seconds each around 80%, 90%, 100%, 110%, and 120% of the walking-running transition speed, recording the frequency of steps with a mobile phone during the treadmill test. The tests were replicated on the track using auditory feedback. RESULTS: When evaluating each speed of the protocols separately for the same frequency of steps, the average speed on the track was always higher on average at 54.7% compared to the laboratory (P < .050), and on the track, it was 16.2% higher than in the laboratory (P > .050). CONCLUSIONS: It cannot be considered that the same frequency of steps is equivalent to the same speed in the laboratory and on the track. These results point to the importance of reliable speed control during open field tests.

Effect of walking speed in heart failure patients and heart transplant patients.

BACKGROUND: Chronic heart failure patients present higher cost of transport and some changes in pattern of walking, but the same aspects have not yet been investigated in heart transplant patients. METHODS: The aim of this study was to investigate both metabolic and mechanicals parameters, at five different walking speeds on treadmill, in chronic heart failure and heart transplant patients. Twelve chronic heart failure patients, twelve healthy controls and five heart transplant patients participated in the study. Tridimensional kinematics data and oxygen uptake were collected simultaneously. FINDINGS: In both experimental groups the self-selected walking speed was lower than in controls, and lower than the expected optimal walking speed. At that speed all groups showed the best ventilatory efficiency. On contrary, chronic heart failure and heart transplant patients reached the minimum cost of transport and the maximum recovery at greater speeds than the self-selected walking speed. Their mechanical efficiency was lower than in controls, while their metabolic cost and mechanical work were on average larger. INTERPRETATION: We conclude that actions, like a physical training, that could increase the self-selected walking speed in these patients, could also increase their economy and optimize the mechanical parameters of walking. We propose a rehabilitation index, based on the theoretical optimal walking speed, to measure the improvements during a physical rehabilitation therapy. These results have an important clinical relevance and can help to improve the quality of life of heart failure and transplant patients.

Electromyography and economy of walking in chronic heart failure and heart transplant patients.

Background Patients with chronic heart failure frequently report intolerance to exercise and present with changes in walk pattern, but information about heart transplant patients is lacking. Alterations of the gait pattern are related to interaction changes between the metabolism, neurological system and the mechanical demands of the locomotor task. The aim of this study was to investigate the electromyographic cost, coactivation and cost of transport of walking of chronic heart failure and heart transplant patients. Design This research was of an exploratory, cross-sectional design. Methods Twelve chronic heart failure patients, twelve healthy controls and five heart transplant patients participated in the study. Electromyographic data and oxygen uptake were collected simultaneously at five walking speeds. Results In the experimental groups, the electromyographic cost, percentage of coactivation in the leg and cost of transport were higher than in controls. The electromyographic cost was in line with the cost of transport. The minimum electromyographic cost matched with the self-selected walking speed in controls, while in chronic heart failure and heart transplant patients, it was reached at speeds higher than the self-selected walking speed. Conclusion The largest postural isometric activation and antagonist activation resulted in the highest metabolic demand. These findings are of great clinical relevance because they support the concept that interventions in order to improve the muscle performance in these patients can increase the self-selected walking speed and therefore the metabolic economy of walking.

Ventilatory determinants of self-selected walking speed in chronic heart failure.

PURPOSE: In healthy subjects, the self-selected walking speed (SSWS) corresponds to the lowest cost of transport (CT). This study tested the hypothesis that SSWS could be determined by the work of breathing instead of the CT in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). METHODS: Seventeen patients with CHF due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction and 17 healthy controls were compared. Both groups were submitted to a walking cost protocol on the treadmill at the SSWS, at two speeds below (-0.5 and -1.0 km·h), and two speeds above (+0.5 and +1.0 km·h). The CT and ventilatory efficiency, as determined by the ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide (V˙E/V˙CO2), were compared. RESULTS: CHF patients had a lower SSWS than healthy controls (0.75 ± 0.14 vs 0.98 ± 0.30 m·s, P < 0.01). Among the five speeds, the controls' SSWS was the most economical. For CHF patients, the SSWS was less economical than the higher speeds. However, V˙E/V˙CO2 at the SSWS was lower when compared with other speeds in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to what happens with healthy subjects, where the SSWS has the lowest CT, CHF patients choose an SSWS with higher CT, but with lower ventilatory cost. These findings are compatible with the concept that interventions that enhance ventilatory efficiency may increase SSWS in CHF.