Gait-Specific Pulmonary Oxygen Uptake Kinetics During Gait Transitions Reflect the Energetics of Walking and Running in Humans

Key Points

• The aim is to understand how oxygen uptake responds during transitions between walking and running.
• Measured VO2 kinetics during walking and running transitions.
• Analyzed changes in step frequency and length at different speeds.
• Examined the relationship between oxygen uptake and gait mechanics.
• VO2 kinetics during transitions showed patterns of integration between walking and running responses.
• Adjustments in step frequency and length were noted during gait transitions.
• Findings suggest that these transitions promote energetically optimal locomotor patterns.