Running Vs Walking wrt calories burn. (mathematical question).

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the minimum value of parameter B, which represents the distance ratio for walking compared to running, such that a person burns the same number of calories in both activities. The calculation relies on metabolic equivalents (MET) to quantify energy expenditure, requiring data on the individual's weight and exercise duration. The MET formula, defined as MET = Kcal / (hours * kg), is essential for this analysis. The conversation also touches on the relevance of biomechanics in understanding these calculations and the need for experimental data to derive accurate values.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of metabolic equivalents (MET) in exercise physiology
  • Basic knowledge of biomechanics principles
  • Familiarity with energy expenditure calculations
  • Ability to interpret experimental data related to physical activity
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the MET factors for various exercise levels from the provided NCBI link
  • Study the principles of biomechanics related to energy consumption during running and walking
  • Explore mathematical models used in exercise physiology for calorie burn calculations
  • Investigate experimental studies measuring oxygen consumption across different demographics
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for exercise physiologists, biomechanics researchers, fitness trainers, and anyone interested in optimizing calorie burn through running and walking activities.

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Suppose we have a person, A, who we know his/her physique and biological properties, assume he runs a distance, x, versus the same person walking a distance Bx, where B is some parameter we're doing our optimization on which is >1.

Can you find me the minimum value of B for which the same person burns the same number of calories in both running a distance x vs walking a distance Bx?

Thanks in advance.

BTW, is this sort of question relates to the field of bio-mechanics?

Can you recommend to me rigorous mathematical bio-mechanics textbook?
 
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This should give an exact number of B, not a minimum.

Do you have experimental data? That should be easy to calculate.
It is impossible to calculate it without any data.
 
I am not sure, which data do I need to know to calculate B, and which are the equations in use here?
 
Some data about energy consumption to run/walk some distance.
I would expect that those vary from person to person.
 
This is usually calculated with MET units(metabolic units) and is part of standard exercise physiology energy mensuration.

MET = Kcal / ( hours * kg ). Theoretically, the only information needed is the weight of the person (there is an age factor in the 2011 tables) exercising, the time the person spent doing whatever physical exercise.

The MET factors for exercise levels are defined in :

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21681120

The data was derived by measuring oxygen consumption on a spectrum of people of different ages, weights, sexes, performing defined activity levels, like running speed == 4:17 mile pace on a treadmill. Of course not every older person can run that fast.

Where is our MathJax tutorial, please? tags do not seem to play anymore.
 
Last edited:

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