Energy cost is minimized at what type of walking speed?

Energy cost is minimized at what type of walking speed?

• A. Very slow walking speed
• B. Very fast walking speed
• C. Running speed
• D. Preferred walking speed

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that energy cost per unit distance varies with how fast you walk, and there’s a specific pace where this cost is lowest. At very slow speeds, the body isn’t moving with efficient pendulum-like mechanics, and frequent starts and stops waste energy per meter. At very fast speeds, the muscles work harder and additional factors like higher force demands and—eventually—air resistance increase the energy used per meter. Running also tends to be less economical per distance than walking at these slower-to-moderate speeds for most people. The speed you naturally choose to walk when you want to go a longer distance—the preferred walking speed—places you at that balance point. It maximizes efficiency so you cover more distance with less energy per meter. For many adults, this pace is around a moderate, comfortable speed. So energy cost is minimized at the preferred walking speed.

The main idea is that energy cost per unit distance varies with how fast you walk, and there’s a specific pace where this cost is lowest. At very slow speeds, the body isn’t moving with efficient pendulum-like mechanics, and frequent starts and stops waste energy per meter. At very fast speeds, the muscles work harder and additional factors like higher force demands and—eventually—air resistance increase the energy used per meter. Running also tends to be less economical per distance than walking at these slower-to-moderate speeds for most people.

The speed you naturally choose to walk when you want to go a longer distance—the preferred walking speed—places you at that balance point. It maximizes efficiency so you cover more distance with less energy per meter. For many adults, this pace is around a moderate, comfortable speed.

So energy cost is minimized at the preferred walking speed.